Anti-CEC protest at Jantar Mantar denied permission
Delhi Police denied permission for a proposed Gandhi Jayanti protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday. However, the barricades went up around the area and Central Armed Police Forces were deployed, meaning residents and commuters passing through New Delhi district on October 2 will likely face movement restrictions regardless of whether the gathering actually takes place.
Police sources estimated that around 3,000 to 4,000 people could turn up for the protest despite the denial, prompting heightened security measures across Jantar Mantar and key points in New Delhi district. Barricades have been put up on roads leading to the area, with additional personnel positioned at entry and exit points to regulate movement and prevent unauthorised gatherings.
The protest was called by the All India Students' Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, seeking Kumar's removal over allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls and the conduct of elections. AAP leaders and workers, members of the Indian Youth Congress and others are expected to attend, though the CJP is not expected to join the Delhi protest.
The Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) will also join Friday's march to Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of the CEC, a member of one of the organisations said. The groups have been denied permission for the proposed march but would proceed towards Jantar Mantar in large numbers, with nearly 1,500 people expected to participate, he said.
AISA national president Neha Bora said organisers had informed Parliament Street police station about the proposed gathering, including expected turnout, timing and the names of those responsible for organising it.
