Delhi Tightens Security Ahead Of Protest Against CEC
Delhi Police tightened security around Jantar Mantar ahead of an October 2 protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, after denying permission for the gathering.
Security has been stepped up in New Delhi ahead of a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on Gandhi Jayanti, with Delhi Police saying no permission has been granted for the demonstration.
Central Armed Police Forces personnel have been deployed in and around the area. Police sources estimate that 3,000 to 4,000 people could attend.
The protest, called by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, seeks the impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the conduct of elections.
Senior AAP leaders, Indian Youth Congress members and civil society groups are expected to attend, sources said. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is not expected to join Friday’s protest in Delhi, they added.
Barricades have been installed and additional personnel deployed at entry and exit points and other sensitive locations to regulate movement and prevent unauthorised gatherings, police sources said.
The police decision came a day after social activists and student leaders announced plans to gather at Jantar Mantar at 10 am on October 2.
The organisers have questioned the Election Commission’s handling of electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), raising concerns about the protection of citizens’ voting rights.
Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia urged people on X to join the gathering.
“Come to Jantar Mantar on October 2nd to demand Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. Otherwise, the right to vote is being snatched away today, tomorrow all other rights will also be taken away,” he wrote.
AISA national president Neha Bora, Mr Bhushan and Mr Jha announced the protest at a press conference on Wednesday and reiterated their demand for Mr Kumar’s resignation.
The proposed gathering comes amid protests by opposition parties, student groups and civil society activists over the poll panel’s functioning and the SIR exercise.
The CJP has separately announced a protest in Mumbai on October 2. After being denied permission, it called for a “Jail Bharo Andolan”.