Protests Planned at Jantar Mantar Amid Election Commission Controversy

Student unions in India have announced plans for a demonstration at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on 2 October, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. The gathering aims to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, particularly concerning ongoing concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission and the management of electoral rolls. The protest is organised by the All India Students' Association (AISA), the Students' Federation of India (SFI), and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI). Although Delhi Police have not granted permission for the planned march, organisers expect approximately 1,500 participants to mobilise, as stated by a member of one of the groups. This demonstration is part of wider dissent from activists and student organisations regarding the handling of electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Police have already implemented barricades on roads leading to Jantar Mantar in anticipation of the protest. In a parallel action, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), founded by Abhijeet Dipke, is planning its own protest, termed the 'Jail Bharo Andolan,' at Shivaji Park in Mumbai at the same time. Dipke previously mentioned that Mumbai Police had also denied permission for this event, citing restrictions resulting from a 2013 Bombay High Court order. As the day approaches, several prominent political figures are encouraging public participation in the protest. Atishi, a member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), shared a video message, highlighting the significance of voting rights in a democracy. She stated, 'If the right to vote is in danger, it means our democracy is in danger.' AAP MP Sanjay Singh corroborated these sentiments, alleging that 1.37 crore names have been removed from electoral rolls as part of the SIR exercise. This uproar follows unsettlement within the Election Commission, where recent media reports indicated that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised concerns about official decisions that they felt were made without their consent. However, the Election Commission maintains that all decisions were consensus-based. To ensure public order, the Delhi Police have announced that Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, is in effect, prohibiting unauthorised gatherings, public speeches, slogans, and demonstrative activities. Authorities have deployed additional personnel in the Jantar Mantar area to mitigate any disruptions, and they have requested public cooperation. Metro stations nearby, including Janpath, Patel Chowk, and Rajiv Chowk, will restrict entry and exit during the protest period. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has indicated that while certain stations will remain closed, interchange facilities will still be accessible at select locations. As the situation unfolds, both supporters and critics of the Chief Election Commissioner are preparing for an eventful day, with heightened security measures in place in and around central New Delhi.