Delhi Police deny permission for Oct 2 Jantar Mantar protest against CEC, security beefed up
PTC News Desk: The Delhi Police has refused permission for a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 2 against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Security has also been increased across New Delhi, with Central Armed Police Forces deployed in the area.
Police estimate that around 3,000 to 4,000 people could attend the protest. The demonstration has been called by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and lawyer Prashant Bhushan. They are seeking Kumar’s impeachment over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and elections.
Senior AAP leaders, Indian Youth Congress members and others are also expected to join the protest.
Barricades have been placed around Jantar Mantar and additional security personnel have been deployed at entry and exit points and other sensitive locations to control crowds.
The police decision came a day after activists and student leaders announced plans to gather at Jantar Mantar at 11 am on October 2.
Protest call in Mumbai
Meanwhile, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, has announced a parallel "Jail Bharo Andolan" at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on October 2 at 4 pm.Dipke had earlier said that Mumbai Police denied permission for CJP's proposed October 2 protest against Kumar. Following this, he announced that the movement would launch the "Jail Bharo Andolan" on Gandhi Jayanti.
Mumbai Police, however, clarified that it was "not empowered to grant permission" for a gathering at Shivaji Park in view of a 2013 Bombay High Court order, and said the area is a "silence zone".
The police said applicant Ajinkya Shinde had been advised to look for an alternative venue in Mumbai and seek permission, which would be considered appropriately.The CJP had originally planned to launch a nationwide protest from Mumbai on October 2 if Gyanesh Kumar did not resign as CEC.On September 25, Dipke had said, "If Gyanesh Kumar does not resign by tomorrow, CJP will begin its nationwide protest from Mumbai on 2 October, and take it to cities across India. This Gandhi Jayanti, let's pledge to save democracy."
- PTC NEWS
