The Delhi Metro shut entry and exit at 12 stations on Friday after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and student unions announced protests. The affected stops include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, Janpath, Barakhamba, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi.
Protesters are calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision exercise and the conduct of the State Internal Review (SIR). The AAP, All India Students’ Association (AISA), National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and Indian Youth Congress (IYC) have announced demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said that while entry and exit will remain closed at the 12 stations, interchange facilities will still be available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat stations.
Delhi Police denied permission for the protest and deployed additional personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces to Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations. Barricades were erected to regulate movement and prevent unauthorised gatherings. In a video message, AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the need for permission to hold a demonstration at a designated protest site in a democracy.
