Delhi Police Gears Up for Jantar Mantar Protest; 35,000 Personnel Deployed

Delhi Police has stepped up security ahead of a proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, deploying more than 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel across the capital.

The protest concerns the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Police have denied permission for the gathering, while organisers have urged supporters to assemble peacefully.

A few protesters were detained near Janpath on Saturday morning, according to ANI.

ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL AND SURVEILLANCE

Additional women personnel have been called in from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Facial-recognition systems, CCTV cameras, rooftop spotters and drones are expected to support security arrangements across central Delhi.

Police teams have been instructed to avoid verbal confrontations with demonstrators. Six locations, including stadiums, sports complexes and community centres, have been designated to accommodate people taken into preventive detention.

Several student organisations and political groups are expected to participate in the proposed mobilisation.

HOME MINISTRY SEEKS COORDINATION

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has asked police chiefs across states and Union Territories to coordinate with Delhi Police and take preventive measures.

His communication cited concerns over supporters attempting to enter the capital despite the denial of permission. It referred to a Delhi Police order dated October 9 rejecting the organisers’ request and prohibiting the assembly.

The demonstration has been called by the Cockroach Janata Party. Its demands include scrapping SIR and introducing an independent process for selecting Election Commissioners.

Activist Abhijeet Dipke appealed to participants to remain peaceful, follow the law and avoid any action that could undermine the demonstration’s purpose.

OPPOSITION RAISES ELECTORAL CONCERNS

The proposed gathering follows wider Opposition protests over the electoral-roll revision and allegations of electoral irregularities.

On Friday evening, an INDIA bloc delegation led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi met President Droupadi Murmu and submitted a memorandum outlining four demands.

After the meeting, Gandhi said the President had asked for evidence supporting the Opposition’s allegations. Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee also said Murmu had sought supporting material and assured the delegation that she would examine the details.

Delhi Police has maintained that permission for Saturday’s demonstration has not been granted.

With inputs from ANI