Jantar Mantar 2.0: Security Tightened As Protest Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar Resumes Today

New Delhi: Protests continue in Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. After a large number of people were detained during the protest at Jantar Mantar on Friday, an appeal has been made to protest on Saturday also. The main demand of the protesters is regarding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and questions related to the functioning of the Election Commission. 

Why will protesters gather again at Jantar Mantar today?

National President of All India Students Association (AISA) Neha Bora appealed to the supporters to reach Jantar Mantar again after Friday's action. The protesters have raised questions over alleged irregularities and deletion of names in voter lists under Special Intensive Revision (SIR). 

How many people were detained on Friday?

On Friday, Delhi Police detained more than 500 protesters from Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas, while some reports put the number at more than 700. AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj, former chief minister Atishi, AISA president Neha Bora and social activist Yogendra Yadav were among those detained.

What is the situation regarding permission for demonstration?

Delhi Police had not given permission for the proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Despite this, on Friday people associated with political parties, student organisations and social workers came to protest. Police set up barricades to stop the protesters from moving towards Jantar Mantar and detained people from several places. 

Why was security increased in Delhi?

In view of the demonstration, security arrangements have been tightened in New Delhi area. Barricading has been done at Jantar Mantar and surrounding roads and police force has been deployed. Earlier, prohibitory orders were also imposed in New Delhi district under Section 163 of BNSS, under which large gatherings and demonstrations were banned without permission. 

There was a big demonstration in Mumbai also?

On Friday, there was also a demonstration under the leadership of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Mumbai's Shivaji Park. The protesters raised the demand for the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. According to reports, the police had not given permission for the demonstration, yet a large number of people reached there. CJP has now announced a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on 10 October.

The protesters say that the agitation will continue until action is taken on their demands. At the same time, different political parties and organisations have their own claims regarding the allegations related to the Election Commission and SIR.