CJP Leaders Detained as Delhi Protest Faces Curbs
Police detained scores of protesters and senior Cockroach Janta Party leaders in New Delhi on October 10 as authorities imposed extensive security restrictions to prevent a planned mass demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
CJP Leaders Detained as Delhi Protest Begins
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and senior leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained after arriving in Delhi from Mumbai.
Scores of protesters were also taken away in police buses as groups attempted to gather in central Delhi. The CJP condemned the detention of its leadership and said the action was intended to disrupt the planned rally.
Delhi Police had earlier denied permission for the protest and warned that violations of restrictions would attract legal action.
Metro Stations, Markets and Internet Restricted
Authorities deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel across central Delhi.
Around 45 metro stations and several markets were shut, while mobile internet services were suspended in the central business district. Vehicles entering the city were also checked, and barricades were placed across key roads.
The protesters had planned to gather at Jantar Mantar from 10 a.m.
Protest Targets Voter Roll Revision
The CJP is demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over controversy surrounding the revision of electoral rolls.
Election Commission data shows around 130 million voter entries were removed or flagged during the verification exercise, including approximately 63 million people who had relocated, 30 million who could not be traced and 28 million recorded as deceased.
Opposition parties and protesters have alleged that the revisions could favour the BJP in elections. The Election Commission and BJP have denied allegations of manipulation.
The Commission has maintained that the figures relate to the draft revision process and eligible voters wrongly removed can seek re-enrolment.
