Live: Protests against Election Commission in Delhi, Mumbai
Security tightened in Delhi and Mumbai as groups plan protests over SIR and electoral rolls
Protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission's handling of electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) are planned in Delhi and Mumbai on October 2, with security tightened around the proposed demonstrations.
In Delhi, social activists and student groups, backed by AISA, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and lawyer Prashant Bhushan, have called a protest at Jantar Mantar. AAP leaders Atishi, Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia have also appealed for participation. Protesters are demanding Kumar's resignation and alleging irregularities in electoral rolls and elections.
Delhi Police denied permission and deployed additional personnel, including Central Armed Police Forces, around Jantar Mantar. Barricades were erected at key points, with police expecting 3,000-4,000 people.
In Mumbai, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced a "Jail Bharo Andolan" at Shivaji Park, demanding Kumar's resignation. Police said permission was not required from them due to a 2013 Bombay High Court order declaring the area a silence zone.
Live Updates
- 2 Oct 2026 11:48 AM IST
RJD MP Manoj Jha said, “They should be ashamed. Do protests require permission? After all, this is Gandhi’s country, and today is Gandhi Jayanti. Despite turning this into a police state, Gyanesh Kumar, PM Modi and Amit Shah will not be able to hide their wrongdoing.”
- 2 Oct 2026 10:59 AM IST
Delhi Traffic Curbs Near Jantar Mantar Today
Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to avoid Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Ashoka Road and adjoining stretches on Friday, with diversions and regulated movement expected due to a planned AAP and student unions’ protest. Motorists have been asked to take alternate routes and allow extra travel time.
