New Delhi: Security has been tightened across Central Delhi ahead of a proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Delhi Police has denied permission for the demonstration and imposed additional security arrangements in anticipation of a large turnout. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is also in force in New Delhi, restricting protests, demonstrations and marches in the area.
11 Delhi Metro Stations Shut
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has closed entry and exit at 11 stations in view of the security arrangements. The affected stations are:
– Janpath
– Patel Chowk
– Central Secretariat
– Rajiv Chowk
– Seva Teerth
– Mandi House
– Lok Kalyan Marg
– INA
– Chawri Bazar
– Ramakrishna Ashram Marg
– New Delhi
Interchange facilities remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat, according to the Metro advisory.
Heavy Security At Jantar Mantar
Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed around Jantar Mantar, along with a riot-control vehicle.
New Delhi DCP Sachin Sharma said preventive arrangements had been made and appealed to people not to come to the area for protests or demonstrations while Section 163 remains in force.
Police have also sought additional security personnel from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in view of the expected gathering.
Who Called The Jantar Mantar Protest?
The proposed demonstration has been called by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan.
The organisers are demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and have raised allegations concerning the SIR exercise and the conduct of elections.
The Delhi Police, however, has said that permission has not been granted for the proposed protest.
Why Is The SIR Exercise At The Centre Of The Row?
The proposed demonstration comes amid an ongoing political and public dispute over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission.
The agitation was also triggered by a report in The Indian Express alleging that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on multiple occasions over decisions and procedures connected with the SIR exercise and other electoral matters.
Those allegations have become part of the wider political debate over the functioning of the Election Commission.
Police said further security measures could be introduced depending on the situation and the movement of people in and around Jantar Mantar.
