Over 500 Detained as Jantar Mantar Protest Targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar; Internet, Metro Access Restricted

Protesters carrying the Tricolour and a representation of the Constitution participate in a demonstration in New Delhi on Friday, October 2, 2026, amid protests over the electoral roll revision exercise and demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. (File Photo)

AAP leaders and student activists among those detained as protesters raise objections over electoral roll revision and Election Commission’s functioning

Key Highlights

• More than 500 protesters were detained in and around Jantar Mantar on Friday.
• Demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
• AAP leaders Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj and Sanjeev Jha were among those detained or prevented from reaching the protest.
• Student organisations including AISA, SFI and NSUI participated in the mobilisation.
• Mobile internet services were suspended in parts of central Delhi.
• Entry and exit facilities at 11 Delhi Metro stations were closed amid heightened security.
• Delhi Police said permission had not been granted for the demonstration.

New Delhi: More than 500 protesters, including political leaders and members of student organisations, were detained in the national capital on Friday as demonstrations over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission intensified around Jantar Mantar.

The protesters were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising concerns over the electoral roll revision process and alleging shortcomings in the functioning of the poll body.

The Election Commission has maintained that revision of electoral rolls is intended to ensure their accuracy by removing duplicate and ineligible entries. The protesters and opposition groups, however, have raised concerns over the possibility of eligible voters being excluded.

AAP leaders Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj and Sanjeev Jha were among those detained or stopped while attempting to reach the protest. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh was also prevented from reaching the demonstration, according to reports.

Bharadwaj maintained that the planned protest was peaceful and questioned the restrictions imposed on participants.

Members of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and other organisations also joined the mobilisation.

Police said large groups of protesters attempted to approach Jantar Mantar from different directions. Several SFI and Democratic Youth Federation of India activists were detained, while NSUI members were also taken into custody after protesters crossed barricades near Firoz Shah Road.

Security was substantially strengthened across the New Delhi district. Police had not granted permission for the proposed gathering at Jantar Mantar, while restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were in force.

Public transport was also affected. Entry and exit facilities were closed at 11 Delhi Metro stations, although interchange facilities remained available at major interchange stations.

Mobile internet services were also suspended in parts of central Delhi amid the security measures surrounding the protest.

The developments brought political disagreement over the electoral roll revision exercise onto the streets, with opposition parties and student organisations pressing their demands while authorities cited restrictions on unauthorised gatherings and the need to maintain public order.