Stories
AAP Leaders, Students Detained in Massive CEC Protest at Jantar Mantar
- •More than 500 protesters, including AAP leaders Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha, and Sanjay Singh, along with student activists, were detained during a protest against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) at Jantar Mantar.
- •The protest demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in electoral roll revision and mass deletion of voters.
- •Delhi Police stopped AAP leaders and student groups from reaching the protest site, with many detained at various locations including North Avenue and Ashoka Road roundabout.
- •Protesters, including Bharadwaj, questioned the need for permission for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest site, and highlighted the closure of metro stations and suspension of internet services.
- •Student leaders like Aishe Ghosh criticized the police action, stating it undermines democracy and will not stop the movement, while NSUI activists were also detained.
Key Questions Answered
The Delhi Police detained over 500 protesters, including AAP leaders Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Sanjay Singh, alongside student activists, for staging a demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest was organized over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and mass voter deletions.
Internet services were suspended at the protest site and surrounding areas near Jantar Mantar. Additionally, the Delhi Metro closed entry and exit at 12 stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, and Jantar Mantar.
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned why formal permission was required to hold a peaceful demonstration in a democracy, specifically at Jantar Mantar which is a designated protest site. He stated that the party had already submitted letters seeking permission about a week prior and argued they were merely exercising their democratic right to raise concerns.
