AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj detained after reaching Jantar Mantar protest against EC

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj was detained by police on Friday after he reached Jantar Mantar to participate in a protest against the Election Commission.

Bharadwaj arrived at the protest site earlier in the day and appealed to people to join the demonstration. He urged protesters to maintain peace and follow constitutional methods.

Bharadwaj said he had reached Jantar Mantar without using a car and encouraged others to join the protest.

“Without using a car, I have reached Jantar Mantar. You too can reach here. I am sure by the afternoon a lot of Gen-Z, women and youth will reach Jantar Mantar to raise their voice against the Election Commission. Protesting is our right,” he said.

He said police had informed them that permission had not been granted for the protest. Bharadwaj claimed that the AAP had applied for permission for a peaceful demonstration six days earlier.

Speaking to reporters, he said he had travelled to Jantar Mantar alone and without a car, saying he paid Rs 11 for the metro and Rs 80 for an auto-rickshaw.

Bharadwaj also addressed concerns over the heavy police presence and the closure of some Metro stations, saying people could still reach the protest venue.

He appealed to people to join the demonstration peacefully and said the issue concerned democracy and freedom.

“This is a fight where if we don't fight, democracy and freedom in this country are all going to end. Therefore, you have to fight this battle. You have to fight this battle in a technical, constitutional, and peaceful manner; there is no other option,” he said.

Police later detained Bharadwaj after he reached the protest site.  (with inputs from media organisations)