Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Women’s Protest at Jantar Mantar and the Politics of Agency
Anjali writes that women are sometimes treated differently depending on what they are protesting.
She says protests against sexual violence can be accepted when women are seen mainly as people who need protection.
But she argues that women protesting at Jantar Mantar for voting rights are treated as a threat.
The article reports that protesters and journalists were shoved and taken away by police.
Anjali says many people may have been affected by changes to voter lists, especially people already pushed to the margins.
She believes women should be able to protest as equal citizens, not only as victims.
She calls on them to defend their right to vote and belong.
Anjali argues that protests against sexual violence are more readily accommodated because women are framed as victims needing protection.
She contrasts those marches with women protesting at Jantar Mantar over alleged “vote chori,” which she says have faced a lockdown and force.
The article says women protesters and journalists were groped, beaten, shoved into buses, and taken to city outskirts without a woman police officer present.
Anjali cites an estimate that 13.5 crore voters were flagged or excluded during electoral-roll revisions, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups, including women.
She urges women to assert their voting rights and citizenship alongside their demands for safety and autonomy.
- Who
- Women protesters and journalists, as described by writer Anjali.
- What
- A protest at Jantar Mantar over alleged “vote chori” and voting rights, which the writer says was met with force.
- When
- The article does not specify a date.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and other locations in Delhi, including Kanjhawala and Narela.
- Why
- The article says protesters were challenging alleged electoral irregularities and exclusion from voter rolls.
- Writer
- Anjali, a postgraduate student at the University of Delhi and an AISA member.
- Protest location
- Jantar Mantar.
- Protest issue
- Alleged “vote chori” and access to voting rights.
- Voter estimate cited
- The writer cites an estimate of 13.5 crore voters flagged or locked out during electoral-roll revisions.
- Groups described as disproportionately affected
- Women, Dalits, Adivasis, and Muslims.
- Locations named
- Kanjhawala and Narela, where the writer says protesters were taken after being detained.