Delhi Police detains over 500 protesters near Jantar Mantar over voter list revision

More than 500 protesters, including political figures and student group members, faced detention by the Delhi Police near Jantar Mantar on Friday. The demonstration aimed to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Organisers and participants raised concerns regarding alleged irregularities and the mass removal of voters during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Actions And Arrests

Security forces blocked multiple routes leading to the protest site, cutting off access from Ashoka Road and setting up heavy barricades around Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, and Parliament Street. Authorities invoked prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS while deploying drones for surveillance and shutting down internet services in nearby areas. Prominent political figures detained near the venue included AAP politicians Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha, Atishi, and Sanjay Singh, alongside RJD lawmaker Manoj Jha and CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby. Student leaders such as AISA activist Neha Bora and members of SFI, NSUI, DYFI, and KYS were also taken into custody by police personnel.

Mumbai Protests And Reactions

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the Cockroach Janta Party planned a jail bharo protest at Shivaji Park led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, though local police denied permission for the gathering. Demonstrators and affected citizens voiced deep frustration over missing names from voter lists and strict police roadblocks. TMC politician Mahua Moitra expressed backing for detained student figures, while opposition leaders demanded accountability from the election commission over voter roll deletions.

Context

Protests surrounding electoral roll revisions typically stem from public grievances over administrative omissions that prevent eligible citizens from casting their ballots during elections. Jantar Mantar in New Delhi serves as a designated public space where demonstrations are frequently held to voice political demands and press authorities for policy changes.