Kumar Bahukhandi
RJD MP Manoj Jha (centre), advocate Prashant Bhushan (left) and AISA National President Neha Bora address a press conference in New Delhi on September 30, 2026, calling for an October 2 protest at Jantar Mantar over the functioning of the Election Commission and demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Photo Credit: Reuters
Security stepped up across Lutyens’ Delhi as activists and student groups plan Gandhi Jayanti demonstration seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation
Key Highlights
- Delhi Police says no permission has been granted for the October 2 protest at Jantar Mantar
- Proposed demonstration centres on concerns over the Election Commission’s functioning and the SIR of electoral rolls
- Organisers are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Police sources estimate a possible turnout of around 3,000-4,000 people
- Barricades and additional security arrangements put in place around the Jantar Mantar area
New Delhi: Delhi Police has not granted permission for a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 2 against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while security arrangements have been strengthened across parts of Lutyens’ Delhi ahead of the planned gathering.
The demonstration, planned for Gandhi Jayanti, has been called by activists and student groups amid continuing controversy over the Election Commission’s functioning and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Organisers have called for Kumar’s resignation.
Police sources have estimated that around 3,000 to 4,000 people could attempt to participate, prompting authorities to strengthen security and put barricades on roads leading towards Jantar Mantar.
The proposed demonstration follows a press conference addressed by RJD MP Manoj Jha, advocate Prashant Bhushan and All India Students’ Association (AISA) National President Neha Bora, among others. The organisers appealed to people to gather at Jantar Mantar at 11 am on October 2.
The organisers have criticised the Election Commission’s handling of electoral-roll revisions and have sought action against the CEC. These remain allegations and political demands made by the protesters; the Election Commission has defended its actions in the wider SIR controversy as lawful.
The security build-up also comes after an earlier protest near Jantar Mantar on September 25, when more than 60 people, including Prashant Bhushan, Neha Bora, Yogendra Yadav, Anjali Bhardwaj and CPI(M) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya, were detained after protesters were prevented from entering the demonstration site.
With the fresh protest call coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, police are preparing for the possibility that participants may still attempt to assemble despite the absence of permission.
The situation places the focus on both the protesters’ right to raise concerns over electoral administration and the authorities’ responsibility to regulate public gatherings in accordance with applicable restrictions.
