CJP questions Delhi curbs, claims restrictions target the right to peaceful protest
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Speaking at the India Today Conclave in Mumbai, CJP representatives questioned the security deployment and restrictions ahead of their planned Jantar Mantar 2.0 protest in Delhi. They claimed security personnel from Jammu and Kashmir and Naxal-affected areas had been deployed and accused authorities of disrupting metro and railway services to prevent protesters from reaching Delhi. Citing Article 19, the leaders said peaceful protest is a constitutional right and questioned restrictions in Delhi while demonstrations were permitted in Mumbai and Bengaluru. They also accused the Election Commission and Delhi Police of suppressing dissent.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave in Mumbai, CJP representatives questioned the security deployment and restrictions ahead of their planned Jantar Mantar 2.0 protest in Delhi. They claimed security personnel from Jammu and Kashmir and Naxal-affected areas had been deployed and accused authorities of disrupting metro and railway services to prevent protesters from reaching Delhi. Citing Article 19, the leaders said peaceful protest is a constitutional right and questioned restrictions in Delhi while demonstrations were permitted in Mumbai and Bengaluru. They also accused the Election Commission and Delhi Police of suppressing dissent.
Speaking amid rival demonstrations in central Delhi's Connaught Place, BJP leader Rajnath Singh targeted opponents over demands for regime change. He stated that terms like 'regime change' demonstrate the ongoing stir is not about electoral reforms, the Election Commission of India, Gyanesh Kumar, or the future of youth, alleging instead that it is a conspiracy to capture power by spreading anarchy across the country. He added that democratic discourse falls prey to prejudice and propaganda when political self-interest takes precedence over truth and national interest.
High drama unfolded in central Delhi as police detained key protest leaders, including Neha Bora, Deepankar Bhattacharya, and Abhijeet Dipke, during a march towards Connaught Place. Protesters and student groups, including Left associations and members of AISA, gathered from Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, and KG Marg to stage demonstrations against the Election Commission. Paramilitary personnel and Delhi Police maintained a heavy presence, cordoning off central areas and halting minivans carrying detainees amidst sit-ins by students. Speaking to the network, activist Anjali Bhardwaj asserted that holding peaceful protests is a fundamental right and criticized security forces for restricting citizens carrying national flags. She demanded accountability from the Chief Election Commissioner and called for scrapping the Special Intensive Revision exercise, alleging that the poll body has acted in a biased manner. Responding to government allegations regarding attempts at regime change, Bhardwaj maintained that regular elections exist specifically for peaceful transitions of power in a democracy.
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