Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Delhi Denies Jantar Mantar Protest, Tightens Security
Groups planned a protest in New Delhi on October 2, which is Gandhi Jayanti.
They wanted to criticize Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The organisers said there were problems with voter lists and election procedures.
They also questioned the Special Intensive Revision exercise.
They asked Kumar to resign or be impeached.
Delhi Police said the gathering did not have permission.
Police prepared for thousands of people with extra officers, security forces and barricades.
Entry and exit at 11 nearby Delhi Metro stations were also closed.
A separate Cockroach Janta Party protest was planned in Mumbai after permission was denied.
Delhi Police denied permission for an October 2 Gandhi Jayanti protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protest was announced by the All India Students’ Association, Manoj Jha and Prashant Bhushan, who seek Kumar’s resignation or impeachment.
Organisers cited alleged electoral-roll and election irregularities, including concerns about the Special Intensive Revision exercise and voting rights.
Police estimated that 3,000 to 4,000 people could attend and deployed Central Armed Police Forces personnel, barricades and additional staff.
Entry and exit at 11 Delhi Metro stations were closed until further notice, while a separate Cockroach Janta Party protest was planned in Mumbai.
- Who
- The protest was called by the All India Students’ Association, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan; Delhi Police denied permission.
- What
- A proposed demonstration seeking the resignation or impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral-roll and election irregularities.
- When
- October 2, Gandhi Jayanti; reports gave the planned start time as either 10 a.m. or 11 a.m.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas in New Delhi; the Cockroach Janta Party separately planned a protest in Mumbai.
- Why
- Organisers cited concerns about electoral rolls, the Special Intensive Revision exercise, the Election Commission’s functioning and protection of citizens’ voting rights.
Protest Organisers and Supporters
Delhi Police
Election-related concerns
Protest Organisers and Supporters
Organisers and supporters alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and election conduct, questioned the Special Intensive Revision exercise and said voting rights were at risk.
Delhi Police
Delhi Police did not approve the proposed gathering and focused on regulating movement and preventing an unauthorised assembly.
Demand concerning Gyanesh Kumar
Protest Organisers and Supporters
The organisers sought Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation or impeachment, with Manish Sisodia urging people to join the demonstration.
Delhi Police
Police denied permission and increased security around Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations because thousands of attendees were expected.
Participation and separate protests
Protest Organisers and Supporters
Aam Aadmi Party members, Indian Youth Congress members and civil society groups were expected to participate; the Cockroach Janta Party announced a separate Mumbai protest and a Jail Bharo Andolan after permission was denied.
Delhi Police
Police sources said the Cockroach Janta Party was not expected to join the Delhi protest.
- Proposed venue
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Planned date
- October 2, Gandhi Jayanti
- Reported start time
- 10 a.m. in one report and 11 a.m. in other reports
- Estimated attendance
- Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 people
- Protest target
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Organisers
- All India Students’ Association, Manoj Jha and Prashant Bhushan
- Metro restrictions
- Entry and exit closed at 11 Delhi Metro stations; interchange remained available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat
