Protests Intensify at Jantar Mantar as Activists Demand Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner

In a significant escalation of protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, prominent lawyer Prashant Bhushan, activist Yogendra Yadav, and All India Students’ Association (AISA) leader Neha Bora were detained at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday. This marks the second consecutive day of demonstrations aimed at holding Kumar accountable for his administration of the Election Commission and its handling of the electoral roll revision process.

The protests have drawn a considerable crowd, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with the electoral body. Activists have voiced their frustrations regarding the perceived inefficiency and lack of transparency in the Commission’s operations. The gathering on Saturday saw further participation from Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, as demonstrators reiterated their demands for Kumar’s resignation amid growing unease about the integrity of the electoral process.

On Friday, a similar protest resulted in nearly 700 attendees being detained, including notable figures such as Aam Aadmi Party leaders Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj, as well as Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Kumar Jha. While all detained protesters were subsequently released, the authorities have continued to maintain a strict stance against the ongoing demonstrations. The police declared that no permission had been granted for the protests and invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which restricts gatherings of five or more individuals in the New Delhi district.

In response to the protests, internet services in the vicinity of Jantar Mantar were suspended, and access to 12 key Delhi Metro stations, including Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, and Patel Chowk, was restricted. The authorities have fortified the protest site with barricades to deter further gatherings. The combination of these measures has resulted in a tense atmosphere as demonstrators push back against what they perceive as authoritarian tactics to suppress their voices.

As citizens express their concerns over the electoral integrity, the protests at Jantar Mantar have become a focal point for discussions about democracy and accountability in India. Activists are adamant that they will continue their efforts until their demands are met, reflecting a broader sentiment among the populace regarding the need for transparency and reform within the electoral system.

Source: scroll.in