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Jantar Mantar protest highlights: Stir to continue on October 3, says Neha Bora as police detain 700
Jantar Mantar protest highlights: The mobilisation came amid wider protests by activists and student groups over the Election Commission's handling of electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
- 9:15 PM IST, Oct 2Key highlights
- 9:10 PM IST, Oct 2Over 700 protesters detained, says senior police officer
- 9:01 PM IST, Oct 2Entry, exit gates of all metro stations in Delhi open
- 8:35 PM IST, Oct 2EC, other constitutional bodies won't be impartial till BJP removed from power, claims Akhilesh Yadav
- 7:23 PM IST, Oct 2‘Improve or we will improve you,’ says Saurav Das as he alleges ‘police brutality’ at Jantar Mantar
- 7:05 PM IST, Oct 2Pinarayi Vijayan condemns detention of CPI(M) leaders
- 5:55 PM IST, Oct 2Nearly 100 protesters gathered at Tolstoy Marg dispersed, some detained
- 5:28 PM IST, Oct 2Interchange facility at New Delhi metro station closed till further notice
- 5:26 PM IST, Oct 2‘Walk peacefully, join protest,’ says Saurabh Bharadwaj amid metro closures
- 5:05 PM IST, Oct 2BRS leader says ‘public doubts need to be clarified’
- 4:50 PM IST, Oct 2‘Those pretending to protect right to vote doing so because they see their defeat,’ says Delhi BJP president
- 4:29 PM IST, Oct 2‘Unable to send location to parents, been more than an hour,’ says student protester
- 4:26 PM IST, Oct 2‘They detained us…we were simply saying CEC must step down,’ says AAP national media in-charge
- 3:53 PM IST, Oct 2CPI(M) condemns detention of protesters
- 3:41 PM IST, Oct 2‘Peaceful protest continues,’ says Saurabh Bharadwaj, shares video of protest site
- 3:29 PM IST, Oct 2Indian Youth Congress workers protest against EC | Watch
- 3:24 PM IST, Oct 2‘Seeing young people gather on Gandhi Jayanti fills my heart with hope,’ says Mehbooba Mufti
- 3:21 PM IST, Oct 2List of metro stations closed till further notice
- 3:14 PM IST, Oct 2‘Protest anywhere in country, it is a matter of right to vote,’ says Vijeta Dahiya
- 3:07 PM IST, Oct 2AAP's Sanjay Singh shares video of him allegedly being removed from protest site
- 3:03 PM IST, Oct 2Indian Youth Congress workers stopped while trying to march from Raisina Road to Jantar Mantar
- 2:57 PM IST, Oct 2AISA's Neha Bora shares purported video of detainees being released by protesters
- 2:50 PM IST, Oct 2Protesters continue to raise slogans against CEC
- 2:48 PM IST, Oct 2Over 500 protesters detained
- 2:39 PM IST, Oct 2Atishi, Sanjay Singh among those detained
- 2:03 PM IST, Oct 2Sanjay Singh stages sit-in after being stopped from going to Parliament
- 1:42 PM IST, Oct 2Protesters chant slogans from inside bus
- 1:40 PM IST, Oct 2Congress says ‘Gyanesh Kumar is a traitor’
- 1:34 PM IST, Oct 2Neha Bora, Yogendra Yadav detained
- 1:25 PM IST, Oct 2Mahua Moitra says ‘no permission is required for citizens to protest’
- 1:08 PM IST, Oct 2‘Gyanesh Kumar is a butcher of democracy,' says MA Baby
- 1:00 PM IST, Oct 2‘Perhaps they forgot what Gandhi called this’ Neha Bora on protest curbs
- 12:42 PM IST, Oct 2More than 100 protesters detained so far
- 12:40 PM IST, Oct 2CJP calls out ‘same old tactics, same old playbook’
- 12:31 PM IST, Oct 2'We haven't come here to fear your police,' says Atishi
- 12:20 PM IST, Oct 2Police warn protesters to vacate area
- 12:18 PM IST, Oct 2NSUI workers stopped near Jantar Mantar
- 12:03 PM IST, Oct 2Internet suspension ordered from 9am to 9pm
- 11:58 AM IST, Oct 2SFI, DYFI protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
- 11:51 AM IST, Oct 2Barakhamba Road metro station entry, exit closed
- 11:30 AM IST, Oct 2‘Do protests require permission?’ asks Manoj Jha at Jantar Mantar
- 11:12 AM IST, Oct 2‘Don’t be afraid of police,' says AAP's Bharadwaj
- 11:00 AM IST, Oct 2Saurabh Bhardwaj shares video from inside bus
- 10:50 AM IST, Oct 2Internet disruptions reported around Jantar Mantar
- 10:47 AM IST, Oct 2Not just Delhi, another protest in Mumbai today
- 10:43 AM IST, Oct 2Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha removed from protest site
- 10:36 AM IST, Oct 2Cops, BSF personnel check vehicles on DND, ask commuters' destinations
- 10:27 AM IST, Oct 2Protesters detained while trying to enter Jantar Mantar
- 10:23 AM IST, Oct 2‘ A lot of Gen-Z, women, youth will reach,' says Saurabh Bharadwaj
- 10:17 AM IST, Oct 2Saurabh Bharadwaj detained at Jantar Mantar
- 10:04 AM IST, Oct 2Cops create 8-9 security zones, each headed by IPS officer
- 9:58 AM IST, Oct 2What is prohibited under Section 163 in New Delhi district
- 9:34 AM IST, Oct 2List of 11 Metro stations closed amid stir call
- 9:12 AM IST, Oct 2No permission granted for Jantar Mantar protest, says DCP
- 8:55 AM IST, Oct 2RAF, riot control vehicle deployed | Video
- 8:45 AM IST, Oct 2Section 163 in force in New Delhi district, ‘slogan shouting, dharnas’ not allowed
- 8:38 AM IST, Oct 2Who all are expected to join stir
- 8:29 AM IST, Oct 2No police nod for Jantar Mantar stir, 3,000-4,000 protesters expected
- 8:21 AM IST, Oct 2Delhi Metro entry, exit closed at 11 stations
- 8:03 AM IST, Oct 2Heavy police deployment at Jantar Mantar amid protest call
- 7:42 AM IST, Oct 2Kharge announces ‘Save Democracy’ marches from October 2 to 8
- 7:29 AM IST, Oct 2Section 163 imposed at protest site
- 7:24 AM IST, Oct 2Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory amid planned stir today
- 7:22 AM IST, Oct 2Security beefed up in Delhi ahead of protest call
- 7:12 AM IST, Oct 2How Delhi Police is better prepared for Jantar Mantar protests now
Jantar Mantar protest highlights: Over 700 protesters were detained during the protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Friday, including leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party and student activists. AISA chief Neha Bora has however announced that the Jantar Mantar protests will continue on October 3. The protesters had gathered to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar....Read More
Among those detained were AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Atishi and Sanjay Singh. Meanwhile, entry and exit gates of all metro stations in the Delhi network were opened late on Friday, DMRC said in a post on X.
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) had been imposed in the New Delhi district earlier, restricting unauthorised gatherings and demonstrations. Student unions announced the protest on Gandhi Jayanti, seeking the resignation of the CEC over the functioning of the Election Commission and its handling of electoral rolls.
The proposed march by the All India Students' Association (AISA), Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) was not granted permission by Delhi Police.
The mobilisation comes amid wider protests by activists and student groups over the Election Commission's handling of electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Parallel CJP protest in Mumbai
Meanwhile, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, announced a parallel "Jail Bharo Andolan" at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on October 2 at 4pm.
Dipke had earlier said Mumbai Police denied permission for CJP's proposed protest against Kumar. He subsequently announced that the group would launch the "Jail Bharo Andolan" on Gandhi Jayanti.
Mumbai Police, however, clarified that it was "not empowered to grant permission" for a gathering at Shivaji Park in view of a 2013 Bombay High Court order. The police also said the area is a "silence zone."
AAP appeals to people to join protest
AAP MLA and former Delhi chief minister Atishi had on Thursday appealed to people to reach Jantar Mantar at 10am on Friday. In a post on X, she said, "Let's go to Jantar Mantar 2 October 2026 10 AM."
In a video message, Atishi said, "When India became independent in 1947, the most important right we received was the right to vote. We could choose whose government would be formed, and we could choose our own representatives. But today, the BJP is trying to snatch that right away from us through Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. If the right to vote is in danger, it means our democracy is in danger. Therefore, I appeal to all of you to reach Jantar Mantar tomorrow, October 2nd, at 10:00 AM to protect your right to vote."
AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also appealed to people to join the protest, alleging that 1.37 crore names had been deleted from electoral rolls in the name of SIR.
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Saurabh Bharadwaj detained at Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj, who arrived at Jantar Mantar to protest against the Election Commission, has been detained by police.
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Cops create 8-9 security zones, each headed by IPS officer
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: According to Delhi Police, 8-9 security zones have been created in and around Jantar Mantar as part of the arrangements for the proposed protest, reported news agency ANI.
A senior IPS officer has been deployed in charge of each zone, police said.
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: What is prohibited under Section 163 in New Delhi district
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been imposed in New Delhi district ahead of the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, an official said on Friday.
Without prior written permission, the order prohibits:
- Public meetings or assemblies of five or more people
- Processions, demonstrations, picketing and dharnas
- Shouting slogans and making speeches
- Carrying firearms, banners and placards
- Carrying lathis, swords, sticks, brickbats or similar articles
"The order has been enforced to ensure public safety, maintain public order and facilitate smooth traffic movement, according to the notice," a senior police officer told PTI.
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: List of 11 Metro stations closed amid stir call
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: The Delhi Metro has closed entry and exit at 11 stations on Friday in view of the proposed protests at Jantar Mantar, the DMRC said.
The stations where entry and exit will remain closed until further notice are:
- Janpath
- Patel Chowk
- Central Secretariat
- Rajiv Chowk
- Seva Teerth
- Mandi House
- Lok Kalyan Marg
- INA
- Chawri Bazar
- Ramakrishna Ashram Marg
- New Delhi
However, interchange facilities will remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat stations, the DMRC said.
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: No permission granted for Jantar Mantar protest, says DCP
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: DCP Sachin Sharma said no permission has been granted for any protest or march at Jantar Mantar against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and that preventive measures have been put in place.
"Permission has not been granted for any type of protest, march at Jantar Mantar and preventive measures have been taken. I would request everyone to abide by the law and cooperate with the police. Section 163 is in force here. Section 163 of the BNSS is in force in New Delhi. Therefore, I am making it clear that no unauthorised sit-in, protest or demonstration is allowed here. I request everyone to follow the law, be law-abiding and cooperate with the police," Sharma said, reported PT.
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: RAF, riot control vehicle deployed | Video
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, along with a riot control vehicle, have been deployed at Jantar Mantar in view of a protest call by activists, political leaders and civil society representatives against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and seeking accountability from the Chief Election Commissioner.
Meanwhile, entry and exit gates of nearby metro stations — Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House and Lok Kalyan Marg — have been closed until further notice.
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Section 163 in force in New Delhi district, ‘slogan shouting, dharnas’ not allowed
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Delhi Police has issued a public notice stating that Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023 is in force in New Delhi district to ensure public safety, public order and smooth traffic movement.
Unauthorised gatherings, public speeches, slogan-shouting, processions, demonstrations, dharnas and other specified activities have been prohibited.
Delhi Police has urged citizens to comply with the order and cooperate with personnel deployed in the area. Violations will invite legal action as per law.
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Who all are expected to join stir
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: AAP leaders and workers, members of the Indian Youth Congress, and others are expected to participate in the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar, sources said.
The Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) have also announced that they will join the protest.
The protest was announced a day earlier by AISA national president Neha Bora, Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha at a press conference. Bora said the organisers had informed the Parliament Street police station about the gathering, including the expected turnout, timing and details of those responsible for organising it.
Former Delhi deputy chief minister and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia also urged people on X to join the gathering and demanded Kumar's resignation.
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: No police nod for Jantar Mantar stir, 3,000-4,000 protesters expected
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Delhi Police has denied permission for a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Gandhi Jayanti and deployed additional security personnel in and around New Delhi, officials said.
The protest, called by the All India Students' Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, is scheduled to begin at 11am on Friday.
Police sources said around 3,000 to 4,000 people are expected to attend the gathering, prompting heightened security arrangements in the area, reported PTI
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Delhi Metro entry, exit closed at 11 stations
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Friday said entry and exit at 11 metro stations will remain closed until further notice.
However, interchange facilities will remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat stations, the DMRC said in a post on X.
The affected stations are Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi.
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Heavy police deployment at Jantar Mantar amid protest call
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS are in force in Delhi's New Delhi district, with heavy police deployment at Jantar Mantar in view of a protest call by activists, political leaders and civil society representatives.
Kharge announces ‘Save Democracy’ marches from October 2 to 8
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the INDIA bloc will organise “Save Democracy” marches across the country from October 2 to 8 as part of a six-point programme, with the participation of the general public, youth and “everyone who believe in democracy and unity”.
Opposition MPs will also march to the Election Commission on October 6. Kharge said both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members would participate and all parties would be invited to join the march.
“Leaders of Opposition will seek appointment from President of India to give a representation on our problems and against the chori ki sarkar (govt with a stolen mandate),” Kharge added.
The Opposition has also planned five major rallies to reach out to people, including another rally in Delhi on November 1.
Kharge also lauded Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his campaign, saying people who earlier did not believe the allegations of vote theft had now realised that he was right. Read More
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Section 163 imposed at protest site
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: In view of the protest call at Jantar Mantar today, Delhi Police have put up barricades and closed Jantar Mantar Road to traffic.
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has also been imposed at Jantar Mantar as part of the security arrangements.
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory amid planned stir today
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory in view of restrictions and regulated movement around Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas on October 2.
Traffic diversions and regulations will be in place around Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, GPO, Tolstoy Marg, Jantar Mantar Road, Parliament Street and adjoining roads.
The traffic police has advised commuters to avoid the affected stretches wherever feasible, plan their journeys in advance and allow additional travel time. Motorists have also been asked to follow diversion signs and directions of traffic personnel to avoid congestion.
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Security beefed up in Delhi ahead of protest call
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Security has been beefed up in the national capital ahead of the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Visuals shared by news agency PTI from Patel Chowk show heightened security arrangements in the area.
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: How Delhi Police is better prepared for protests now
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE: Delhi Police and central security agencies have stepped up preparations for Friday's protests at Jantar Mantar after reviewing their handling of the demonstrations held two months ago by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), officials said.
As part of the review, police identified several security lapses, including allowing food deliveries to the protest site and the presence of broken pavements and walls in and around the New Delhi area that could be used by protesters as projectiles. “Stones from broken pavements were used as projectiles last time,” an official said.
Over the past two months, Delhi Police have also conducted anti-riot drills across the city and counselled personnel on handling protesters who record them on their phones or livestream from demonstration sites. The latest protests are centred on demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Read More
