New Delhi was placed under extraordinary security restrictions on Saturday as more than 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed to prevent a mass demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), supported by student organisations and opposition groups, called for thousands of demonstrators to assemble at Jantar Mantar despite Delhi Police refusing permission. Authorities erected barricades, restricted public transport and detained protesters attempting to enter central Delhi.
Police detained several demonstrators near Janpath early on Saturday, while additional personnel guarded major intersections, government buildings and approaches to the proposed protest venue. Security officials anticipated participation by approximately 20,000 people, although the organisers maintained that the mobilisation could be substantially larger.
The protest centres on allegations that the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has resulted in widespread deletion of eligible voters. CJP leaders accuse the commission of favouring the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party through the revision process, allegations rejected by the commission and the government.
Delhi Police established dozens of checkpoints across the capital, including major entry routes, and prepared detention facilities in all 15 police districts. Officers were instructed to intercept demonstrators attempting to reach prohibited gathering points.
Mobile internet services were suspended across designated areas of central Delhi, while access to several Metro stations was restricted. Traffic diversions affected roads surrounding Janpath, Kartavya Path, Jantar Mantar and adjoining administrative districts.
The extensive restrictions prompted concerns about disruption to commuters, businesses and residents. Security personnel monitored railway stations, bus terminals and accommodation facilities amid efforts to prevent large groups from assembling.
The Ministry of Home Affairs directed states and Union Territories to coordinate security arrangements following warnings that the proposed mobilisation could have serious public order implications.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan communicated the government's concerns after Delhi Police rejected the organisers' application. Authorities maintained that the demonstration had not satisfied prescribed requirements governing public assemblies.
Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad said the organisers had submitted their application without providing the required ten days' notice. Police also cited alleged violations of conditions imposed during an earlier demonstration and concerns about traffic management and public safety.
The organisers disputed those explanations, arguing that the authorities had sufficient advance knowledge of their plans. CJP co-convener Saurav Das questioned whether procedural restrictions were being used to prevent citizens from exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke declared that the demonstration would proceed despite the possibility of detention or arrest. The organisation has demanded Kumar's removal and greater accountability over changes to electoral registers.
Opposition parties have supported calls for scrutiny of the revision exercise, contending that deletions and documentation requirements could disproportionately affect vulnerable voters. The Election Commission maintains that electoral roll revisions are necessary to establish accurate registers and remove ineligible entries.
The confrontation has intensified scrutiny of the balance between maintaining public order and protecting freedom of assembly. Organisers argue that prohibiting a demonstration at an established protest venue undermines democratic participation, while police insist that security restrictions are necessary to prevent disorder.
The Supreme Court also became involved in the dispute over transport restrictions. During proceedings concerning the disruption of public services, the court emphasised that security arrangements should remain proportionate and should not impose unnecessary hardship on ordinary commuters.
Police authorities nevertheless continued extensive deployment around sensitive locations, with surveillance cameras, drones and additional monitoring equipment supporting officers stationed at barricades.
Special arrangements included the deployment of approximately 500 additional women security personnel. All-women police units were assigned to selected locations as authorities prepared for the participation of female students and activists.
Senior officers instructed personnel to exercise restraint when dealing with crowds. Joint Commissioner Madhur Verma stressed the importance of discipline and minimum force in managing demonstrations.
Security preparations also extended to hotels, guest houses and other accommodation establishments around central Delhi. Police requested restrictions on fresh bookings at selected properties as part of measures intended to regulate the movement of visiting demonstrators.
Roadblocks were established around Tolstoy Marg, Ashoka Road and adjoining intersections, where officers conducted checks and diverted vehicles away from restricted areas.
Police units from different districts were assigned designated positions to coordinate crowd management and detention procedures. Additional central forces remained available to reinforce deployments wherever necessary.
Authorities also maintained surveillance of routes leading towards Jantar Mantar, with officers checking vehicles and monitoring pedestrian movement around the protest area.
Topics
World