Over 700 Detained During Delhi Protest

Synopsis

More than 700 protesters, including AAP leaders, student activists and members of youth organisations, were detained in Delhi on Friday as Opposition parties and student groups took to the streets demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Police had denied permission for the proposed gathering and imposed restrictions in central Delhi.

The Current Situation

AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj and Sanjeev Jha were detained at Jantar Mantar, while former Delhi chief minister Atishi and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh were also among those detained. Police stopped Singh at North Avenue as he was travelling towards the protest site.

Police said around 700 SFI members attempting to reach Jantar Mantar were stopped at the Ashoka Road roundabout, with many detained. Police detained other protesters from AISA, SFI, NSUI, and various youth and student organisations from Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas. Some reports put the number of detainees at more than 500, reflecting differing police estimates as the detentions continued.

The Demand of the Protesters

The protesters are demanding Kumar’s resignation over what they allege are irregularities in the SIR exercise and mass deletion of voters. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing and maintained that its decisions have followed due process.

Several NSUI activists, including national president Vinod Jakhar, were detained during a march from the organisation’s office towards Jantar Mantar. Jakhar alleged that police took action against activists and said the organisation would continue its “peaceful struggle for democracy”.

Who Joined the Protest?

Indian Youth Congress activists also marched from the IYC office on Raisina Road towards Jantar Mantar, wearing masks bearing images of Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and carrying posters demanding accountability.

IYC president Uday Bhanu Chib said the Election Commission was responsible for protecting the sanctity of every vote and that questions surrounding electoral-roll decisions required answers.

The protest also drew participation from AISA, SFI and other student and youth organisations. AISA activists alleged that police used force during the detentions, including against women protesters.

Action from the Police

Delhi Police said no permission had been granted for the gathering and deployed additional personnel and barricades around Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas.

Prohibitory restrictions were imposed in the New Delhi district, while police made repeated public announcements asking people not to gather at the protest site.

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the need for permission to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, saying the party had submitted requests for permission about a week earlier. He said the protesters were exercising their democratic right to raise concerns over the electoral process.

After being prevented from reaching Jantar Mantar, Sanjay Singh said he would sit in protest at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the Parliament complex, raising allegations of “vote theft”.

The security measures also affected public transport. The Delhi Metro temporarily closed entry and exit at several stations in central Delhi, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat and Jantar Mantar, while internet services were suspended at and around the protest site.