New Delhi: Delhi Police detained Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj and several other protesters at Jantar Mantar on Friday, October 2, during a demonstration against the Election Commission of India and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Bharadwaj was detained while protesting against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and demanding his removal. AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha was also among those detained, according to reports.
The protest went ahead despite Delhi Police denying permission for the gathering. Authorities had imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across the New Delhi district, prohibiting unauthorised assemblies, demonstrations, processions, speeches and slogan-shouting.
Before his detention, Bharadwaj criticised the heavy security arrangements around Jantar Mantar and appealed to supporters to reach the protest site. He also said that AAP had sought permission for a peaceful demonstration.
The protest was called amid opposition and civil society concerns over the SIR exercise and alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. Organisers have demanded the resignation or removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, while these allegations remain claims made by the protesters and have not been established as fact.
Security restrictions in Delhi
Delhi Police deployed additional personnel, including Central Armed Police Forces, around Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations. Barricades were erected and movement around the protest area was regulated. Police had anticipated a turnout of around 3,000 to 4,000 people.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation also closed entry and exit at 11 stations amid the security arrangements. The affected stations included Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi. Interchange facilities remained available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat.
The wider protest campaign has involved student groups, civil society organisations and opposition parties raising concerns about the functioning of the Election Commission and the SIR process. Similar protests and mobilisation have also been reported in other parts of the country.
The developments come as opposition groups continue to demand action over their allegations concerning electoral rolls and the SIR exercise. The Election Commission has separately directed states and Union territories to conduct special drives to identify and enrol eligible voters who may have been left out during the revision process.
