The protests over Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation continued to draw attention in Delhi on Saturday, with CJP convenor Abhijeet Dipke criticising the Delhi Police and announcing plans for another major mobilisation in the national capital on October 10.
Dipke accused the Delhi Police of cracking down on students and activists who were attempting to protest. In a post on X, he said, “Delhi Police must stop its crackdown on protesting students and activists.”
He further said, “Every attempt to suppress peaceful protesters will only bring more people to the streets and strengthen the march to Jantar Mantar. Dissent is a democratic right. It cannot be crushed through intimidation or force.”
Dipke announces October 10 mobilisation
Dipke said Delhi could see “a massive mobilisation of young Indians” on October 10. The proposed protest is linked to the CJP's demand for the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
The announcement came after protests in Delhi and Mumbai over the issue. The CJP has said the October 10 demonstration would be held if Kumar does not resign.
Dipke also criticised the Delhi Police while contrasting its handling of the protests with that of the Mumbai Police. His remarks followed the CJP's protest at Mumbai's Shivaji Park, where thousands gathered despite police denying permission for the event.
Neha Bora says 'Jantar Mantar 2.0' continues
AISA president Neha Bora also said the protest would continue. Sharing a video from the protest site, she said, “We're at the Barricades! Jantar Mantar 2.0 is still on.”
Bora and other AISA members were detained by the Delhi Police during the protests. She had earlier said protesters would return to Jantar Mantar on Saturday.
Protesters detained in Delhi
Around 150 protesters, including Bora, Swaraj India founder Yogendra Yadav and senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, were detained as demonstrators marched from Patel Chowk towards Jantar Mantar, PTI reported.
The protest has brought together students, activists and political leaders, with participants demanding Kumar's resignation. Kapil Sibal, Nitya Ramakrishnan and Pallav Sisodia were among those reported to have joined the protest.
The Delhi Police has also tightened security around Jantar Mantar, with barricades placed around the area as protesters sought to gather at the site.