New Delhi: The fire of protest in the capital Delhi over the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in the voter list under special intensive revision did not cool down even on Tuesday. The political temperature in the capital remained high amid sloganeering on the streets, police strictness and detention of leaders. While the attitude of the protesters remained intact, Delhi Police appeared alert to maintain law and order. Due to the possibility of traffic being affected on many major routes, drivers were advised to exercise caution.
Ban on Jantar Mantar, still attempts to protest
Even after Jantar Mantar was removed from the list of protest sites, protest efforts continued. Cockroach Janata Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were trying to reach Jantar Mantar when the police took them into custody. Party founder Abhijeet Dipke said that the voice of protest should not be suppressed through administrative notification. The organization also claimed to have given a 24-hour ultimatum to the police.
Demonstration of student organization in Connaught Place
Indian National Students Organization, the student organization of the Congress, suddenly demonstrated outside the seventh gate of Rajiv Chowk metro station in Connaught Place and demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. During this time some workers were detained by the police. The organization indicated that in case permission is not granted at Jantar Mantar, the protest will be continued at Connaught Place.
Opposition strategy at Rahul Gandhi's residence
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi invited opposition alliance MPs, civil society representatives and student organizations to his residence for a discussion over tea. Further strategy was discussed in the presence of many leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, Sachin Pilot and Yogendra Yadav. On Monday, opposition leaders had marched to the Supreme Court on issues related to democracy and voter lists.
According to Lutyens' Delhi, traffic remained affected at many major places including Panchkuian roundabout, Mandi House, Connaught Place, Ashok Road and Rail Bhawan on Tuesday. Due to which the general public was seen quite upset and people had to face heavy traffic jams due to road closure due to security reasons due to protests at various places. It is noteworthy that the opposition is alleging alleged irregularities in the voter list, while the dispute continues between the concerned parties regarding the process of the Election Commission. Security arrangements are tight in the capital. Now all eyes are on what political turn this wave of protest will take next.