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Demonstrators continue their agitation in Delhi over allegations of vote theft and demands for the CEC’s resignation. (img: X)
New Delhi: Protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged vote theft continued across the national capital for a second consecutive day on Sunday, with demonstrations reported near RK Ashram Metro Station and the Press Club of India (PCI).
Police detained several protesters as security remained tightened across central Delhi, while traffic restrictions and barricading continued to disrupt movement in key areas.
Activists associated with the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and other organisations staged demonstrations near RK Ashram Metro Station and outside the Press Club of India. Police intervened at RK Ashram and detained protesters gathered in the area. AISA activist Neha Bora, who was reportedly on her way to join the demonstration, was also taken into custody before reaching the protest site.
The developments came amid mounting tensions over the protesters’ demand for accountability from the Election Commission leadership. Several student and youth organisations have indicated that their agitation would continue until their demands are addressed.
Tensions escalated outside the Press Club of India following a press conference by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). According to a Dynamite News correspondent present at the location, a group of participants began raising slogans and protesting shortly after the press briefing concluded.
The demonstrators sat on the road, raised slogans and created a commotion, prompting police personnel to intervene. Officers moved in to bring the situation under control, and several people were detained.
The incident added to the day’s series of confrontations between protesters and the police, with demonstrations emerging at multiple locations after authorities restricted access to the proposed gathering at Jantar Mantar. The latest developments also underscored the challenge facing law enforcement agencies as demonstrators attempted to mobilise at alternative locations across the capital.
Central Delhi remained under heightened security, with police and paramilitary personnel deployed at sensitive locations, major intersections and potential protest sites. Barricades and checks were put in place to prevent unauthorised gatherings and manage the movement of demonstrators.
With permission for the proposed gathering at Jantar Mantar reportedly denied, protesters shifted to alternative locations, including areas around Safdarjung, Dilli Haat and Raj Ghat. Flash demonstrations and detentions were reported at different points, while makeshift detention facilities in parts of the city reportedly became venues for protest songs and public discussions.
Reports put the security deployment at more than 30,000 police and paramilitary personnel, with over 120 companies of Central Armed Police Forces assisting the Delhi Police. The New Delhi district was reportedly divided into 20 security zones, with senior officers assigned to monitor the situation.
Traffic curbs remained in force for the second consecutive day, with diversions introduced from 6 am around Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, Mandi House, Patel Chowk and several other intersections in Lutyens’ Delhi.
Key affected points included the Ashoka Road–Jantar Mantar Road roundabout, Tolstoy Marg–Janpath crossing, Jai Singh Road–Sansad Marg crossing, Rail Bhawan roundabout, Gol Dak Khana and several intersections around Connaught Place. Restrictions were also reported near the Minto Road–Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg junction, Lodhi Road flyover, Neela Gumbad roundabout and Samrat Hotel roundabout.
Security checks were also intensified at Delhi’s borders, railway stations, bus terminals and other sensitive locations. Police reportedly increased verification checks at hotels, guesthouses, lodges and dharamshalas, while monitoring social media for information related to potential gatherings.
The police have appealed to residents and commuters to cooperate with security personnel and follow official traffic advisories. Commuters have been advised to check for updates before travelling through central Delhi, where diversions and barricading may lead to delays.
The continuing demonstrations and detentions have kept the capital on alert, with the situation likely to remain closely monitored as protest groups press their demand for CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over allegations of vote theft. The allegations and demands remain at the centre of the political dispute, while further developments will depend on the course of the protests and the authorities’ response.
