New Delhi: A protest demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner is underway at Jantar Mantar in the national capital today, October 2, Gandhi Jayanti. Leaders and workers from various political parties, as well as members of social organisations, were seen on the streets in large numbers. Managing the situation, the Delhi Police detained Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders including former Chief Minister Atishi, Sanjay Singh, and Saurabh Bharadwaj.
In total, the Delhi Police detained around 500 people, including these leaders. Supporters of the Aam Aadmi Party and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) took to the streets to demand the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation. To control the protesters, the Delhi Police had already set up barricades and deployed additional security forces. Section 163 of the BNSS had been imposed in the Jantar Mantar area.
Leaders Detained at Jantar Mantar
Detentions have been taking place in Delhi since Friday afternoon. Protesters took to the streets demanding the resignation of Election Commission chief Gyanesh Kumar, citing allegations levelled against him. During the protests, more than 500 people, including AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjay Singh, and Atishi, as well as RJD MP Manoj J, ha were detained.
Speaking on the occasion, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said, They should be ashamed; is permission required to stage a protest? After all, this is Gandhi’s country. Today is Gandhi Jayanti. Despite turning this into a police state, Gyanesh Kumar, Prime Minister Modi, and Amit Shah will not be able to hide their wrongdoing.” The police are not allowing people to gather at the site.
Delhi Police Commissioner Takes Stock
Senior Delhi Police officials were also seen actively monitoring the situation amidst the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, accompanied by senior police officers, personally inspected the security arrangements at the ongoing protest site at Jantar Mantar. The Delhi Police have initiated drone surveillance over the area, and every road is being closely monitored.
AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj was the first to arrive at the site for the protest; he has since been detained. Before his detention, Bhardwaj stated, “I have come here alone. Currently, around 30 to 40 police personnel are deployed outside my home. Heavy police forces have been stationed outside the residences of all our leaders. I want to tell the youth of our country that if I can reach Jantar Mantar from my home via the metro without using any vehicle, then you can come too.”
Internet Services Suspended in the Area
During the protest, all roads leading to Jantar Mantar were completely sealed off. Internet services in the area have also been suspended. Earlier, 11 metro stations were closed. People are arriving in Delhi to participate in the protest, but the police have taken charge of the situation. The Lutyens’ Zone has been completely sealed off.
