Jantar Mantar Protest Today: No Permission Granted Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Roads Barricaded

New Delhi: Security arrangements have been tightened in Delhi regarding the proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police has not given permission for the demonstration to be held at Jantar Mantar on 2 October. This demonstration was proposed amid questions being raised regarding the Special Intensive Revision i.e. SIR (Special Intensive Revision) and the functioning of the Election Commission. 

Who called the protest and what is the matter?

The call for the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar has been given by All India Students Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan. Questions have been raised by the organizers regarding the SIR of the voter list and the method of conducting the elections and action is being demanded against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. 

The police have not given permission for the demonstration. Officials say that in view of the possibility of gathering of large number of people, security has been increased in New Delhi area.

How many soldiers were deployed at Jantar Mantar?

According to officials, around 5,000 personnel of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and other central armed police forces along with district and reserve police forces have been deployed in the New Delhi area. The police are constantly monitoring the situation in view of the possible crowd. 

What are the arrangements on the roads leading to Jantar Mantar?

In view of the demonstration, multi-layer barricading has been done on many roads leading to Jantar Mantar. Police deployment has been increased in the surrounding areas including Tolstoy Marg, Janpath Road and Sansad Marg. The protest site at Jantar Mantar has also been barricaded from Tolstoy Marg and Kerala Bhawan side. Additional barricading has also been done near Ashok Road. 

Why is the police increasing security?

Police officials have expressed fear of a large number of protesters arriving. According to a report, around 3,000 to 4,000 people were estimated to have gathered. For this reason, security arrangements have been strengthened around New Delhi and Lutyens' Delhi.

What is the controversy regarding SIR?

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is the process of special revision of the voter list. Opposition parties and some civil organizations have raised issues related to the voter list regarding this process. On the other hand, the Election Commission has been defending its process and decisions. Amidst the current controversy, Delhi Police has not given permission for the proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar on October 2. 

It is important to understand the allegations of irregularities in the voter list made by the protest organizers and the police/Election Commission's side separately. These allegations have not been conclusively established as fact in the available reports.