02 October,2026 12:03 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj was detained during a protest against the Election Commission at Jantar Mantar. File pic
AAP leader and Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj was detained along with several party workers on Friday while protesting against the Election Commission at Jantar Mantar, amid heightened security and restrictions in the New Delhi district.
Speaking to reporters, Bharadwaj criticised the security arrangements around the protest site and appealed to party workers and supporters to reach Jantar Mantar.
"The whole of Delhi has been turned into a fortress right now, as if Mahmud of Ghazni is about to launch an attack. But I want to tell all our young companions - young men, young women and elders - that I have reached here all alone, without a car, without a horse and without any companion," Bharadwaj said.
"I paid Rs 11 for the Metro and Rs 80 to the auto-rickshaw driver. When I can reach Jantar Mantar for just Rs 91, all our companions can reach here as well," he added.
Delhi Police have denied permission for the proposed gathering against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and over allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
Authorities have imposed restrictions across the New Delhi district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing public safety, maintenance of public order and smooth traffic movement.
The restrictions prohibit unauthorised gatherings, public speeches, slogan shouting, processions, demonstrations and dharnas, among other activities. Police have urged people to follow the restrictions and cooperate with authorities, warning that violations could lead to legal action.
Heavy security has been deployed around Jantar Mantar, with barricades placed in the area ahead of the proposed mobilisation.
Several civil society groups, student organisations and Opposition parties are expected to participate in the protest over alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls.
Student groups including the All India Students' Association (AISA) and Students' Federation of India (SFI), along with the RJD, Congress and AAP, are expected to join the mobilisation.
The proposed gathering is part of a broader Opposition campaign raising concerns about the electoral process, allegations of "vote theft" and demands for Kumar's resignation.
Opposition parties are also set to launch a "Save Democracy" campaign against the Election Commission and the Chief Election Commissioner. The campaign will include district-level marches and gatherings, with a larger rally planned outside the Election Commission's office on October 6.
The developments come amid an ongoing political dispute over the SIR exercise and electoral roll revision, with Opposition parties raising concerns while the Election Commission maintains that the process is being conducted according to established procedures.
(With inputs from IANS)
