Several protesters spent Friday night sleeping on the streets of Delhi and at the Bangla Sahib gurdwara, uncertain whether they would be allowed to reach Jantar Mantar for a planned demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Saturday.
The scenes were shared by Caravan Magazine on Instagram, highlighting the difficulties faced by people who had travelled to the national capital to participate in the protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other groups.
Some protesters were detained by the police as authorities tightened security across Delhi ahead of the proposed gathering. The detentions added to concerns among demonstrators about whether they would be able to reach the designated protest site.
Security restrictions leave protesters uncertain
The Delhi Police denied permission for the planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar, citing the short notice given by organisers, previous instances of alleged non-compliance with police directions, and concerns over public order, traffic and security.
The police said organisers should ordinarily submit their applications at least 10 days before a proposed event. The CJP had informed the authorities of its plan on October 7, just three days before the scheduled demonstration.
Authorities imposed extensive restrictions in central Delhi, with barricades and security personnel deployed around Jantar Mantar and nearby roads. Measures affecting public transport, including train cancellations and restrictions at metro stations, also complicated travel to the capital and movement within the city.
The security arrangements left some protesters facing uncertainty over where they could stay and whether they would be able to reach the demonstration.
Protest seeks Gyanesh Kumar's resignation
The CJP called the demonstration to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and reforms to the electoral system. The campaign centres on the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which has prompted allegations from critics that eligible voters risk being excluded.
The party and its supporters have called for greater transparency and accountability in the revision process, while the Election Commission has maintained that the exercise is intended to verify electoral rolls.
The planned protest has drawn attention beyond the CJP, with opposition parties and student groups also raising concerns about the electoral process and the restrictions imposed ahead of the gathering.
Detentions reported as police tighten checks
Police began intercepting people attempting to reach the protest site before the demonstration was due to begin. Reports said some protesters were detained near Janpath and other locations, while police monitored routes into central Delhi.
The authorities also stepped up checks at transport hubs and accommodation facilities as part of their preparations for the gathering. The measures were intended, according to the police, to prevent disorder and manage crowds after permission for the demonstration was denied.
The scenes of protesters spending the night outdoors and at Bangla Sahib underscored the uncertainty surrounding the planned rally. With security restrictions in force and detentions already reported, demonstrators faced the challenge of reaching Jantar Mantar to make their demands heard.