Over 700 protesters from AAP leaders and student organizations detained during protest against CEC
New Delhi. A major political incident was witnessed during the protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Friday. The protest was being held demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner in protest against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists and large-scale deletion of voters' names. During this, Delhi Police detained more than 700 protesters from various student organizations including senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj, Sanjeev Jha, Atishi and Sanjay Singh.
Citing security arrangements, officials said prohibitory orders had already been imposed at the site to prevent any unauthorized gathering and additional security forces were deployed in large numbers. Police stopped AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh at North Avenue itself, due to which he could not move towards the protest site. AAP MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj informed through a post on social media platform 'X' that despite the peaceful protest, he and Sanjeev Jha have been detained by the police, and he also urged the party workers to continue the movement and reach Jantar Mantar.
Student organizations also shouted loudly during the demonstration. According to a police source, around 700 workers of Students Federation of India (SFI) tried to move towards Jantar Mantar but were stopped at Ashoka Road roundabout and many workers were detained. SFI general secretary Aishi Ghosh alleged that Delhi Police fails to stop crimes in the capital, but shows complete strictness in such cases. He warned that if the police think that by taking custody they will suppress the movement, then this is just the beginning.
Apart from this, apart from Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), All India Students Association (AISA), National Students Union of India (NSUI) and other organizations also took part in the protest. NSUI national president Vinod Jakhar was detained during a foot march from the organization's office towards Jantar Mantar. He posted on Twitter condemning the police action and said that the voice of the people cannot be suppressed by any force and their peaceful struggle for democracy will continue.
During the detention operation, many protesters were also seen jumping the barricade on Ferozshah Road. Internet services have also been temporarily suspended with tight security arrangements at the protest site and surrounding areas. Police were continuously making public announcements appealing to people not to gather at Jantar Mantar. At the same time, in a video message before being taken into custody, AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj raised the question that when Jantar Mantar is a designated protest site, why should permission be required for a peaceful demonstration in a democracy.