Development economist and activist Jean Drèze on Saturday criticised the heavy security deployment around the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) planned protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, describing the show of force as disproportionate. He alleged that the government was afraid people would recognise that their right to vote was under threat.
Speaking at the protest, Drèze addressed those who had been unable to reach the venue because of the security restrictions.
“On behalf of all those who are not able to reach here because of the incredible display of force, which is completely out of proportion...” he said.
Drèze argued that the government's concerns were not driven by the prospect of violence or a security threat, but by the possibility that people would become aware of what he described as an erosion of their voting rights.
“The reason why the government is so afraid is not that there is any risk of violence or any security risk, it is that the government is afraid that the people of this country will understand that their right to vote is being taken away,” he said.
CJP protest targets Chief Election Commissioner
Drèze's remarks came as the CJP organised a demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The protest unfolded amid extensive security restrictions across the national capital. Authorities ordered the closure of entry and exit gates at 45 metro stations, suspended mobile internet access across central Delhi and cancelled trains to the city. Paramilitary reinforcements were also brought in by a special train as the police stepped up preparations to prevent demonstrators from assembling.
The CJP's campaign has challenged the electoral-roll revision process, raising concerns about alleged irregularities and the potential exclusion of eligible voters. The Election Commission has maintained that the exercise is intended to verify electoral rolls.
Who is Jean Drèze?
Drèze is a development economist and activist known for his work on poverty, social inequality, food security, education and public policy in India.
Over the years, he has contributed to public debates on welfare programmes and social protection, including the right to food and the implementation of employment and nutrition initiatives. His comments at the CJP protest brought the question of voting rights into the wider debate over the electoral-roll revision and the restrictions imposed on those seeking to demonstrate against it.