The protest in central Delhi on 12 October 2026 saw opposition leaders marching for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the voter‑roll cleanup exercise Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Rahul Gandhi, joined by senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, donned a Batman mask during the march, hoping to resonate with Gen‑Z activists who had donned the same mask earlier that day. The pair were photographed on a city bus, the image sparking memes that labeled Gandhi "The Real‑Life Batman".
BJP Union Minister Jayant Singh took to X to launch a scathing critique, tweeting that Delhi "isn't Gotham" and does not need a dark superhero or Robin. Singh’s comment echoed a broader BJP stance that the mask was a misleading attempt to manipulate youth sentiment.
Earlier in August, Rahul Gandhi had replied on Instagram that no one had ever seen him and Batman together, a remark that fueled the mask narrative. Congress, meanwhile, has yet to issue a formal response to the BJP’s condemnation.
While the protest continues, Congress is expected to clarify its position on the Batman symbolism in an upcoming press briefing.