Delhi On High Alert: 50,000 Protesters Expected Over CEC Gyanesh Kumar Row

New Delhi: There is a possibility of protests in Delhi this weekend demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police and administration have tightened security in Central Delhi in view of the possible crowd. Additional police forces and the Central Armed Security Forces have been deployed at Jantar Mantar, the roads leading to Parliament and sensitive areas. According to the report, intelligence input has expressed the possibility of a large number of people from other states reaching Delhi. However, the figure of a gathering of 50 thousand protesters is currently an estimate by the police and not the actual number.

What is the demand of the protesters?

Opposition parties and some student organisations have raised the demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Questions are also being raised regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Earlier, the police had detained about 150 people who were trying to go towards Jantar Mantar. These included National President of All India Students Association Neha Bora, social worker Yogendra Yadav and senior advocate Prashant Bhushan. 

Why is demonstration not allowed at Jantar Mantar?

According to the report, Delhi Police has not given permission for the demonstration in the concerned area. The police have cited prohibitory orders imposed under section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS). Under these orders, restrictions can be imposed on the gathering of people under prescribed circumstances. The objective of the police is to control potential crowds and maintain law and order around government buildings and sensitive places.

How many security personnel were deployed?

The presented report mentions the deployment of about 23 thousand security personnel in Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas. Additional companies of the Central Armed Police Forces have also been called to help the Delhi Police. Keeping in view the possibility of women's participation, emphasis has also been laid on the deployment of women's security personnel. The number of police forces can be further increased if needed in New Delhi district.

How is monitoring being done?

Multiple levels of barricading is being done on the routes leading to Jantar Mantar and Parliament. Police are also keeping an eye on the border areas of Delhi so that the movements of people arriving in large groups can be monitored. Prohibitory orders have also been imposed in some other sensitive areas including Rajghat.

What problems may common people face?

Due to tight security arrangements, there is a possibility of traffic slowing down in Central Delhi, movement on some routes being affected and people going to the station or office by public transport taking additional time. However, without confirmation that a particular road will be closed, travellers should check official traffic updates for their route.

Overall, there will be a special vigil on the security arrangements in Delhi on 10th and 11th October. The actual number of protesters and the status of the programmes will become clear with time. People are advised to check the latest advisory from Delhi Traffic Police before leaving home and keep extra time to visit sensitive areas.