Delhi police denied permission for a protest at Jantar Mantar on Gandhi Jayanti, citing potential crowds of 3,000 to 4,000. Security was increased with Central Armed Police Forces deployed. The protest, organized by the All India Students’ Association, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, calls for the impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral roll irregularities.
In response to the planned gathering, authorities shut down internet services in areas surrounding Jantar Mantar. The main protest site was barricaded, and a traffic advisory was issued by the Delhi Traffic Police. Commuters were advised to avoid affected stretches and use alternate routes. The advisory listed restrictions around Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, GPO, Tolstoy Marg, Jantar Mantar Road, Parliament Street and adjoining roads.
Delhi Metro closed entry and exit at eleven stations, including Janpath, Patel Chowk, and Central Secretariat, while interchange facilities remained open at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, INA, and Central Secretariat. Police also detained MP Manoj Jha near the protest site and AAP legislator Saurabh Bharadwaj. A drone was used for surveillance over the area.
A lawyers’ association from Palghar district pledged free legal assistance to members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) should they face repression. Spokesperson Digambar Desai emphasized the importance of democratic values and offered support at no cost.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced a protest at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on October 2, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and a freeze of the Special Intensive Revision roll. The group plans further demonstrations in six other cities, concluding at Jantar Mantar by the end of October.
