India, Oct. 14 -- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday held a press conference to counter what he described as authorities' "danda" (stick) treatment to the growing protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Gandhi introduced a flute artist - Samar - who played 'Vaishnav kan to tene kahiye' song on the instrument in a symbolic answer to 'danda'.

"Dande ka jawab dande se [A stick counter to sticks]," Rahul Gandhi said.

The flute artist, who identified himself as Samar, said he was detained on October 5, beaten up by police personnel were in civil clothing.

"I was detained on Oct 11, but Bajrang Dal and RSS goons made them detain us. I have their video threatening peaceful protesters with sticks and stones. These g...