4 hrs ago
AAP, AISA Protests Intensify as Delhi Detentions Reach 650
AAP and student activists from AISA protested in Delhi over how voter lists are being revised.
They called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
Police detained protesters during demonstrations on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
On Sunday, at least 25 AAP workers were taken into custody near India Gate.
AISA marchers tried to reach Jantar Mantar but encountered police barricades.
AAP leaders said questions about voting rights should be answered openly.
The Election Commission said its decisions follow the law and that officials can disagree during discussions.
The protests followed a report that two election commissioners objected repeatedly to some SIR-related decisions.
At least 25 AAP workers, including Saurabh Bharadwaj and Sanjeev Jha, were detained during Sunday's protest near India Gate.
AAP demonstrators demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in electoral-roll revision.
AISA activists marched toward Jantar Mantar for a third consecutive day, but police barricades blocked their route.
Around 150 protesters were detained on Saturday, while more than 500 were detained during Friday demonstrations.
The Election Commission said differences of opinion are normal and its SIR orders follow established legal procedures.
- Who
- AAP and AISA protesters, including Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha, and Neha Bora; Delhi Police; and the Election Commission.
- What
- Protests demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls; police detained hundreds of demonstrators.
- Where
- Delhi, including near India Gate and along a route from Andhra Bhawan Circle toward Jantar Mantar.
- When
- Sunday, following demonstrations on Friday and Saturday; AISA's demonstrations were in their third consecutive day on Sunday.
- Why
- Protesters objected to the Election Commission's handling of the electoral-roll revision and alleged large-scale voter deletions.
Protesters' concerns
Election Commission's response
Electoral-roll revision
Protesters' concerns
AAP and AISA protesters alleged irregularities in the SIR and large-scale deletion of voters, and demanded Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
Election Commission's response
The Election Commission said its orders have full legal sanction and follow established statutory procedures.
Internal objections
Protesters' concerns
Protests gained momentum after a report said Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi objected at least 14 times to SIR-related decisions over 10 months.
Election Commission's response
The Commission characterized differences of opinion and observations as a normal part of institutional deliberations.
Handling of protests
Protesters' concerns
Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged police handled him roughly; Sanjeev Jha said voting-rights concerns should be addressed with transparency rather than pressure or police action.
Election Commission's response
Police deployed security and barricades, denied permission for earlier demonstrations, and detained protesters; the article does not give a police response to Bharadwaj's allegation.
Key facts
- Sunday AAP detentions
- A police officer said at least 25 AAP workers were taken into custody.
- Friday detentions
- More than 500 protesters, including political leaders and student activists, were detained.
- Saturday detentions
- Around 150 protesters were detained in Delhi.
- Protest location
- AAP workers protested near India Gate; AISA activists marched from Andhra Bhawan Circle toward Jantar Mantar.
- Main demand
- Protesters called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
- Reported objections
- The Indian Express reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi formally objected at least 14 times over 10 months to SIR-related decisions and orders.
- Election Commission position
- The Commission said differences of opinion are normal and its orders have legal sanction and follow statutory procedures.
Sources
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