Archive · 2 Oct 2026
AAP Delhi Chief Detained During Anti-Election Commission Protest
Saurabh Bharadwaj and other Aam Aadmi Party workers went to Jantar Mantar to protest against the Election Commission.
They questioned how voter lists were being revised through the Special Intensive Revision process.
Police said the protest did not have permission.
They had also restricted large gatherings in New Delhi.
Because the protest went ahead, police detained Bharadwaj and other workers.
Several Metro stations near important areas were temporarily closed at their entrances and exits.
Supporters were asked to remain peaceful and follow constitutional methods.
The Election Commission said the voter-list revision was being conducted according to established procedures.
AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj and several party workers were detained at Jantar Mantar on Friday.
The protest challenged Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral-roll revision and the SIR exercise.
Delhi Police denied permission for the gathering and imposed Section 163 restrictions across New Delhi.
Police deployed additional forces, barricades and riot-control equipment, while 11 Metro stations closed their entry and exit gates.
Opposition parties and student groups planned broader demonstrations, including a larger rally outside the Election Commission office on October 6.
- Who
- AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj, AAP workers, civil society groups and student organisations; Delhi Police enforced the restrictions.
- What
- A protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls took place despite police denying permission.
- When
- Friday, October 2, 2026; a larger rally was planned for October 6.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas of New Delhi, Delhi.
- Why
- Protesters sought accountability over alleged electoral-roll irregularities and demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Protesters and Opposition Groups
Police and Election Authorities
Electoral-roll revision
Protesters and Opposition Groups
Protesters and Opposition parties alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision process, raised concerns about the electoral process and sought the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation.
Police and Election Authorities
The Election Commission maintained that electoral-roll revision was being conducted in accordance with established procedures.
Permission to protest
Protesters and Opposition Groups
AAP, civil society groups and student organisations proceeded with a peaceful mobilisation and called for citizens to raise their concerns through constitutional means.
Police and Election Authorities
Delhi Police said no permission had been granted, barred unauthorised gatherings and related activities, and warned that violations could lead to legal action.
Public-order measures
Protesters and Opposition Groups
Saurabh Bharadwaj criticised the heavy security presence and urged supporters to reach Jantar Mantar peacefully.
Police and Election Authorities
Police said Section 163 restrictions were necessary for public safety, public order and smooth traffic movement, and deployed security forces and barricades.
- Detained
- Saurabh Bharadwaj and several AAP workers
- Protest location
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Police order
- Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was in force
- Metro disruption
- Entry and exit were closed at 11 Delhi Metro stations
- Protest target
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission
- Protest concern
- Alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls
- Planned follow-up
- A larger rally outside the Election Commission office was planned for October 6
