Archive · 3 Oct 2026
AAP and Student Protesters Detained at Delhi Rally
Political parties and student groups held a protest in Delhi on October 2.
They wanted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
They said changes to voter lists may have been unfair and removed many voters.
Police stopped people trying to reach Jantar Mantar and detained many of them.
Reports put the number detained at more than 500 or about 700, while an earlier police estimate was about 150.
Several Aam Aadmi Party leaders and student activists were among those detained or stopped.
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said the protest was peaceful and questioned why permission was needed at a designated protest site.
Police said permission had not been granted and made announcements that no gathering was allowed there.
Internet service was suspended nearby, and access to metro stations was closed, though reports gave different station totals.
Delhi Police detained hundreds of protesters on October 2 as political and student groups sought to reach Jantar Mantar.
Reports put detentions at more than 500 or about 700; an earlier police estimate was about 150.
Protesters demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged electoral-roll revision irregularities and mass voter deletions.
AAP leaders Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha and Sanjay Singh, and activists from several student organisations, were detained or stopped.
Police blocked routes, suspended internet service nearby and closed entry and exit at metro stations; reports differ on whether 11 or 12 stations were affected.
- Who
- AAP leaders and activists from AISA, SFI, NSUI, IYC and other political, student and youth groups; Delhi Police.
- What
- A protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, during which police detained hundreds and stopped others from reaching Jantar Mantar.
- When
- Friday, October 2, 2026.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and nearby areas of central New Delhi, including Ashoka Road and North Avenue.
- Why
- Protesters alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and mass deletion of voters.
Protesters’ position
Police position
Permission to demonstrate
Protesters’ position
Saurabh Bharadwaj said AAP had sought permission about a week earlier and questioned why permission was needed at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest site.
Police position
Police said permission had not been granted and made public announcements that no gathering was allowed at Jantar Mantar.
Purpose and conduct
Protesters’ position
Protesters described the demonstration as peaceful and said they were raising concerns about electoral rolls and the right to vote.
Police position
Police blocked routes and detained protesters; the reports do not provide a detailed police response to the electoral allegations.
Police action
Protesters’ position
AISA and NSUI activists alleged police action against protesters, including women; some leaders said the demonstration was peaceful.
Police position
The reports describe detentions and barricades but do not include a detailed police response to these allegations.
- Reported detentions
- Reports cited more than 500 or about 700 detainees; an earlier police estimate was about 150.
- Protest demand
- Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- Electoral issue
- Protesters alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and mass deletion of voters.
- AAP leaders named
- Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha and Sanjay Singh were among those detained or stopped.
- Groups involved
- AISA, SFI, NSUI, IYC, DYFI and other political, student and youth organisations took part or were represented.
- Police restrictions
- Police blocked protesters at locations including the Ashoka Road roundabout and North Avenue, and said permission had not been granted for the demonstration.
- Communications and transport
- Internet service was suspended around the protest site. Reports said entry and exit were closed at either 11 or 12 metro stations.
Sources
700 detained as AAP, student groups take to streets in Delhi, stopped from reaching Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar protest against CEC: Student leaders & AAP’s Atishi, Bhardwaj among 500 detained
AAP leaders, students among hundreds detained in Delhi as anti-CEC stir flares
Protest against CEC: AAP’s Atishi, Bharadwaj, Sanjay Singh and students among 500 detained
AAP Leaders Among 700 Detained During Delhi Protest Against Poll Body Chief
Protest Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar: Atishi, Sanjay Jha, Students Among 500 Detained At Jantar Mantar - VIDEO
500+ Protesters, AAP Leaders Detained At Jantar Mantar Over SIR
Anti-CEC Protest: AAP leaders, students among hundreds detained in Delhi
500 detained in Delhi protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
