On 12 October 2026, Rahul Gandhi accepted a Batman mask while marching to the Supreme Court, the epicenter of the Congress’ latest protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
A 25‑year‑old youth from Delhi, wearing a Congress flag, handed the mask to Gandhi; the actor, Vikas Kumar, said, "We want you to protect us," as the crowd shouted his name.
The mask, a bright black costume piece, was also donned by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, who posed beside Gandhi in a photo that trended on X within minutes.
Police erected metal barricades at the Supreme Court, but Gandhi climbed atop them, arms akimbo, and posted a selfie comparing himself to Batman; the National Students’ Union of India echoed the image with the caption, "Batman Mode: ON, Gyaneshh toh giyooo."
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the petition alleging electoral malpractices on 5 November; Congress will present evidence and claim that the Election Commission failed in its duties.