NEW DELHI: (Oct 2) More than 700 protesters were detained in and around Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Friday as AAP leaders, student organisations and activists gathered to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demand his resignation. The demonstration was held over allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and claims of large-scale voter deletions.
AAP leaders Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh were among those detained or stopped from reaching the protest site. AISA leader Neha Bora and activist Yogendra Yadav were also detained. Members of SFI, NSUI and DYFI were taken into custody as police tightened security around the area.
The Delhi Police had denied permission for the proposed demonstration and imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the New Delhi district. The restrictions prohibited unauthorised gatherings, demonstrations, processions and slogan-shouting.
What protesters are demanding
The demonstration brought together political parties, student organisations and activists opposing the SIR process. Protesters demanded the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and raised allegations of irregularities and voter deletions during the electoral-roll revision exercise.
AAP leaders and student groups questioned the need for permission to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar, while police maintained that permission had not been granted and cited the restrictions imposed under Section 163.
The Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing and maintained that the SIR process is being conducted according to established procedures. Separately, the poll panel has directed officials to identify eligible voters who may have been omitted and facilitate their enrolment.
The protests also led to major security and transport restrictions in central Delhi, including the closure of Metro station entry and exit points, traffic diversions, heavy deployment of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel, and temporary suspension of internet services around the protest area.
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