Jantar Mantar Protest: 160 Detained as Dissent Against CEC Flares in Delhi!
Jantar Mantar Protest: 160 Detained as Dissent Against CEC Flares in Delhi!
Delhi's Jantar Mantar sees mass detentions as protestors demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. Activists like Prashant Bhushan and Yogendra Yadav among 160 held amidst heavy security. Will dissent be silenced?
A significant protest unfolded at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Saturday, marking the second consecutive day of demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest, which saw prominent activists and political figures participate, led to the detention of approximately 160 individuals by the Delhi Police. Among those detained were well-known advocate Prashant Bhushan, political activist Yogendra Yadav, and AISA's Neha Bora.
The area around Jantar Mantar was heavily secured and sealed from both sides, with Section 163 of the BNSS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) remaining in force in New Delhi district, effectively prohibiting public assembly.
The police action drew sharp criticism from various quarters.
Abhijeet Dipke, convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), accused the Delhi Police of acting as "henchmen" and bringing "shame to the institution and the country" by crushing peaceful dissent. Activist Anjali Bhardwaj echoed these sentiments, stating that the "right to protest is being stifled." Senior Congress leader P.
Chidambaram also weighed in, suggesting that the "wisest thing CEC can do is resign." Despite the detentions, protesters, including Kapil Sibal and Neha Bora who marched towards the site, remained resolute. Activists vowed to continue their movement, with Dipke and CJP spokesperson Saurav Das announcing plans for a "massive mobilisation" at Jantar Mantar on October 10.
Yogendra Yadav, who was also detained, confirmed his participation in the next round of protests, emphasizing that the campaign for accountability would persist. Meanwhile, the Indian Youth Congress has moved the High Court against the Delhi Police's denial of permission to protest, highlighting the ongoing struggle over the right to peaceful assembly in the capital.
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