Left-wing student organisations staged a flash protest at Delhi’s Connaught Place on Sunday, October 11, as security was tightened across the national capital amid continuing demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Members of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the All India Students’ Federation (AISF) were among those who gathered near Connaught Place’s inner circle and attempted to march towards Jantar Mantar via Janpath Road. The protesters raised slogans against the Chief Election Commissioner before security personnel intervened and stopped the march.
Visuals from the area showed a heavy police deployment, with security personnel forming barricades and human chains to prevent demonstrators from proceeding towards the protest site. Personnel from the Delhi Police, the Rapid Action Force and a women’s battalion of the Uttar Pradesh Police were deployed to manage the situation.
Protesters detained as police block march
The demonstration took place amid stringent security arrangements and restrictions on public gatherings in parts of central Delhi. Around 60 to 70 protesters were reportedly detained as police moved to disperse the gathering.
The student groups resorted to a flash protest after access to Jantar Mantar, the intended venue for the wider agitation, was blocked by security forces. Protesters emerged from Rajiv Chowk Metro station and gathered in the inner circle of Connaught Place before attempting to proceed towards Janpath.
The police deployment was aimed at preventing protesters from moving towards restricted areas and maintaining law and order. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, were in force in the area, restricting unauthorised gatherings and demonstrations.
Protests continue over demand for CEC’s resignation
The demonstration was part of the wider Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led agitation against Gyanesh Kumar. The protesters have demanded his resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which they claim threatens the integrity of the electoral process. The Election Commission has faced mounting criticism from opposition parties and activists over the exercise.
On Saturday, October 10, security restrictions around Jantar Mantar prompted demonstrators to organise flash protests at several locations across Delhi, including Connaught Place, Dilli Haat, Rajghat and the Safdarjung Airport flyover. Student organisations and other activists used scattered gatherings to continue their protest after being prevented from reaching the designated site.
The latest demonstration came as authorities maintained a heavy security presence in the capital amid calls for further protests. The restrictions and police action have also drawn legal scrutiny, with the Supreme Court hearing petitions concerning alleged excessive force, detentions and curbs on public movement during the demonstrations.