Gyanesh Kumar Vs CJP Protest: More than 30,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across the capital. Barricades lined the streets, 45 Metro stations were shut, and vehicles were checked at borders, railway stations and bus terminals. Jantar Mantar was largely deserted because security forces stopped protesters from reaching the designated protest site.
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Leaders and Journalists Held
PTI reported that over 7,000 people were detained across Delhi, more than 2,000 of them in the New Delhi area. Dipke, four former chief ministers and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee were among those held. Business Standard reported that Dipke and two other CJP leaders were detained from their flight after it landed in Delhi. Organisers, journalists and lawyers were also reportedly detained, and the Opposition called the crackdown Emergency-like.
What the Protesters Want
At CJP Protest, student unions and opposition parties are demanding Kumar’s resignation. The demand follows an Indian Express report that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded objections at least 14 times over 10 months. Protesters also want the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls stopped. The Election Commission has rejected the allegations, and Kumar has not commented.
How It Got Here
Delhi Police denied permission for the march and invoked Section 163 of the BNSS around Jantar Mantar. On October 2, around 1,000 people were detained, including former Delhi chief minister Atishi and activist Yogendra Yadav. The Metro closed gates at 57 stations from the night before Saturday’s march.
What to Watch Today at CJP Protest
Dipke has vowed that wherever police stop his supporters will become their Jantar Mantar, so more protests are likely. The release of detained leaders, any court challenges and a response from the Election Commission are still awaited. Commuters should check Delhi Metro and traffic advisories before travelling.
