Protest at Jantar Mantar Demands Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner on Gandhi Jayanti
On Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, student organizations and social activists in Delhi are preparing to hold a massive demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Expressing dissatisfaction with the Election Commission’s working methods, particularly concerning the update of voter lists and the ‘Special Intensive Revision’ (SIR) process, protesters are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The call for this demonstration has been made by the All India Students Association (AISA), Students Federation of India (SFI), and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI).
Despite the announcement of the protest, Delhi Police has not granted permission for the march at Jantar Mantar. Even without authorization, the organizations plan to gather there, prompting police to impose heavy security measures including barricades on roads leading to the venue. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of New Delhi stated on the social media platform ‘X’ that, “Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS), 2023, has been enforced in New Delhi district to ensure public safety, law and order, and smooth traffic flow. Under this, unauthorized gathering, public speaking, slogan shouting, processions, protests, sit-ins, and other activities specified in the order are prohibited.”
The stringent measures to control the protest have drawn widespread criticism. Senior Supreme Court advocate and social activist Prashant Bhushan sharply criticized the Delhi Police’s actions on X, stating, “On orders from Modi/Shah, Delhi Police has completely locked down Central Delhi to prevent the Jantar Mantar protest. Eleven metro stations have been shut, curfew imposed, and internet services suspended. The police have cordoned off Jantar Mantar and are detaining those present. Even Member of Parliament Manoj Jha has been taken into custody.”
Meanwhile, in Mumbai, Abhijit Deepak, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), announced a “Jail Bharo Andolan” to be held at Shivaji Park at 4 PM on October 2. Deepak declared this fast after Mumbai Police denied permission for the protest against Gyanesh Kumar. However, Mumbai Police clarified that following the 2013 Bombay High Court order, Shivaji Park is considered a “Silence Zone,” and no assembly or events are permitted there. The protest has also received full support from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Delhi’s former Chief Minister and AAP MLA Atishi appealed to the public to participate in the demonstration.