New Delhi: Security was tightened across central Delhi on Friday as student organisations, political leaders and civil society groups mobilised around a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and raising concerns over the Election Commission’s handling of electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
The protest has not been granted permission by Delhi Police. Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in New Delhi district, while additional police and Rapid Action Force personnel have been deployed around the protest site.
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- No permission for protest: Delhi Police said no permission has been granted for any march, sit-in or demonstration at Jantar Mantar against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. DCP Sachin Sharma urged people to follow the law and cooperate with the police.
- Section 163 imposed: Delhi Police has prohibited unauthorised public gatherings of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, dharnas, slogan-shouting and speeches in the affected area. The order also restricts the carrying of firearms, banners, placards, sticks and similar articles.
#WATCH | Delhi | Police and RAF personnel and Riot Control Vehicle deployed at Jantar Mantar, in view of a call for protest by activists, political leaders and civil society representatives against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision and demanding accountability from the Chief… pic.twitter.com/Kg21aCgGYY
— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2026
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- Heavy security deployment: Police, Rapid Action Force personnel and riot-control vehicles have been deployed at Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas. Barricades have also been placed on roads leading to the protest site.
- Student groups join mobilisation: The All India Students’ Association (AISA), Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) are among the organisations backing the proposed mobilisation. Organisers have indicated that thousands could participate.
#WATCH | Delhi AAP President Saurabh Bharadwaj arrives at Jantar Mantar to protest against the Election Commission. He says, “Without using a car, I have reached Jantar Mantar. You too can reach here. I am sure by the afternoon a lot of Gen-Z, women and youth will reach Jantar… pic.twitter.com/IdO98zubbm
— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2026
- AAP leaders call for participation: AAP leaders, including Atishi and Sanjay Singh, have appealed to supporters to join the protest. Atishi asked people to reach Jantar Mantar at 10 a.m. and alleged that the right to vote was under threat.
- SIR at centre of dispute: The mobilisation comes amid continuing political criticism of the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. AAP leaders have alleged that large numbers of names have been removed from electoral rolls during the exercise.
- Election Commission’s response: The Election Commission has maintained that its three-member panel took decisions unanimously, including those relating to the SIR exercise.
- Opposition protests planned: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has announced a series of “Save Democracy” marches from Oct. 2 to Oct. 8. Opposition MPs are also scheduled to march to the Election Commission on Oct. 6, according to the announcement.
- Traffic restrictions: Delhi Traffic Police has imposed restrictions and diversions around Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, Parliament Street, Jantar Mantar Road and adjoining stretches. Commuters have been advised to avoid the affected areas where possible.
- DND checks intensified: Delhi Police and BSF personnel have been deployed on the DND carriageway towards Delhi. Vehicles are being stopped selectively, with personnel asking commuters about their destinations and recording details, officials said.
- Metro stations affected: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said entry and exit at 11 stations have been closed until further notice. The affected stations include Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi.
- Interchange facilities continue: Interchange remains available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat stations despite the entry and exit restrictions.
- Mumbai protest announced: Separately, Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has announced a “Jail Bharo Andolan” at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park at 4 p.m. on Friday against the CEC. Mumbai Police said it was not empowered to grant permission for a gathering at Shivaji Park in view of a 2013 Bombay High Court order and noted that the area is a silence zone.
- Internet disruptions reported: Internet connectivity disruptions have also been reported around Jantar Mantar amid restrictions imposed in the area.
- Police review security arrangements: Delhi Police and central security agencies have reviewed their preparations following protests held in the area in recent months. Officials said anti-riot drills have been conducted and personnel have been briefed on crowd-control measures.
- Political row over Election Commission: The latest mobilisation follows allegations by opposition leaders and activists questioning the Election Commission’s functioning and its handling of electoral-roll revisions. The Election Commission has rejected claims of internal disagreement over the SIR process and said decisions were taken unanimously.
- Allegations over electoral rolls: AAP leaders have alleged that millions of names were removed from electoral rolls during the SIR exercise. These figures are political claims and have not been independently established in the material provided.
- Wider INDIA bloc campaign: The Jantar Mantar mobilisation comes as opposition parties step up political and legal action over electoral-roll issues and the functioning of the Election Commission. PTI reported that INDIA bloc leaders recently discussed taking the issue to the ground as well as a possible joint legal challenge concerning the appointment of election commissioners.
