Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Security was stepped up around Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Friday as police detained hundreds of people during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The demonstration had been called by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan. Organisers had planned the gathering for Gandhi Jayanti, with the protest focusing on demands concerning the Election Commission and its functioning.
Police had earlier refused permission for the proposed gathering and deployed additional personnel around Jantar Mantar. Authorities were expecting several thousand people to turn up, prompting extensive security arrangements in the area.
AISA leader Neha Bora was among those detained during the police action. Several other protesters were also taken away in buses after a confrontation developed between demonstrators and security personnel.
Police officers at the site repeatedly appealed to protesters to follow prohibitory orders imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The restrictions were aimed at preventing an unauthorised gathering in the area.
The protesters have raised objections over the Election Commission’s handling of electoral-roll revisions and have called for accountability from the poll panel. They have also demanded action against Gyanesh Kumar.
Security Tightened in Mumbai
Security was also increased around Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, where another demonstration against the Chief Election Commissioner was planned by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has been seeking Kumar’s resignation and had announced a protest in Mumbai. However, Mumbai Police did not grant permission for the gathering.
The developments in Delhi and Mumbai come amid continuing political criticism surrounding the Election Commission and voter-list revision exercises. Authorities in both cities have maintained heightened security as they work to prevent unauthorised gatherings and maintain public order.
