New Delhi. Political activity increased in Delhi on Saturday ahead of the proposed protest by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and allegations of alleged vote theft. Many leaders and workers including the party's national convenor Arvind Kejriwal were taken into custody by the police. After this, Kejriwal, from the custody itself, appealed to the people across the country to reach Delhi and start a protest at the same place if stopped by the police.
Kejriwal said that the youth and common citizens of the country will raise their voice on the issue of alleged vote theft. He appealed to the people to come out of their homes and come to Delhi. He said that people should reach Delhi in whatever way possible – by bus, train, scooter, plane or on foot. If the police stops them on the way, then they sit on dharna and turn that place into Jantar Mantar. Kejriwal alleged that the government wants to suppress the voices being raised on this issue. He also reiterated his demand for resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
AAP expressed protest over police deployment outside the residence
According to AAP, Kejriwal was going to participate in the demonstration at Jantar Mantar with his family. The party alleges that even before they could leave their residence, the police cordoned off the area. The workers raised slogans in protest against this. AAP also claimed that its national office was locked and barricaded by the police, preventing movement.
Party leaders raised questions as to why workers were being prevented from reaching the residence and office of their national convenor. AAP described the police action as a move to disrupt the protest. The situation will become more clear once the police side comes forward on these allegations.
Sanjay Singh raised the issue of peaceful demonstration
AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh targeted the central government and alleged that security arrangements have been made exceptionally tight in Delhi amid questions being raised regarding Gyanesh Kumar. He claimed that trains coming to Delhi were also stopped and the protesters were being prevented from expressing their views.
Sanjay Singh said that registering protest peacefully is a democratic right. He warned that attempts to suppress people's voices could increase dissatisfaction.
Saurabh Bhardwaj accused Kejriwal of misbehavior
AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj alleged that Kejriwal was manhandled during his detention. He said that the youth who came to participate in the protest want to convey their demands to the government in a peaceful manner. Bhardwaj raised questions on the deployment of police and paramilitary forces and said that the protesters should get an opportunity to express their views.
Atishi raised questions on security arrangements
Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Atishi claimed that in view of the protest, 45 metro stations were closed and 45 thousand police and paramilitary forces were deployed. He also alleged that a large number of people were taken into preventive custody and internet services were shut down.
Atishi questioned why Kejriwal was detained after demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. However, these claims regarding metro stations, troop numbers, custody and internet services require independent verification.
Gopal Rai and Sanjeev Jha also criticized
Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai alleged that an emergency-like situation has been created in Delhi and students and youth are being detained. He said that the party will continue the protest. At the same time, Burari MLA Sanjeev Jha also raised questions on the deployment of police and paramilitary forces and reiterated the demand for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
AAP leaders claimed that leftist organisations, student organizations and other groups have also supported the protest. According to the party, many workers were being detained since morning.
Allegations of alleged vote theft and demands for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner are at the center of this political controversy. AAP leaders have raised questions on the central government regarding police action. At the same time, the allegations made and claims related to security arrangements should be confirmed on the basis of relevant official information.