New Delhi: Delhi Police on Thursday denied permission for a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on Gandhi Jayanti against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and beefed up security in and around New Delhi, with Central Armed Police Forces personnel deployed in anticipation of a gathering, officials said.
Police sources estimated that around 3,000 to 4,000 people could turn up for the protest, prompting heightened security measures across the area.
The protest, called by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, seeks impeachment of CEC Kumar over allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls and the conduct of elections.
AAP senior leaders and workers, members of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and others are expected to attend the protest, sources said, adding that the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is not expected to join the protest on Friday.
Security has been intensified at Jantar Mantar and key points in New Delhi district, with CAPF personnel deployed alongside Delhi Police teams.
Barricades have been put in place and additional personnel positioned at entry and exit points and other sensitive locations to regulate movement and prevent unauthorised gathering, police sources said.
The Delhi Police decision comes a day after social activists and student leaders announced plans to hold a gathering at Jantar Mantar at 11 am on October 2.
The organisers have raised concerns over the Election Commission’s handling of electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and alleged that it raised questions over the protection of citizens’ voting rights.
Former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia also issued a call on X urging people to join the gathering. “Come to Jantar Mantar on October 2nd to demand Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Otherwise, the right to vote is being snatched away today, tomorrow all other rights will also be taken away,” he said in the post.
On Wednesday, AISA national president Neha Bora, Bhushan and Jha had addressed a press conference announcing the protest and reiterated their demand for Kumar’s resignation.
Bora, who had earlier participated in an agitation at Jantar Mantar led by the CJP over the NEET paper leak issue, said the organisers had informed Parliament Street police station about the proposed gathering, including details of the expected turnout, timing and those responsible for organising the event.
The proposed protest comes amid demonstrations by opposition parties, student groups and civil society activists in Delhi over functioning of the poll panel and the SIR exercise.
The CJP has also announced a protest in Mumbai on October 2 on the issue. After being denied permission, it called for a “Jail Bharo Andolan”.
