CEC protests: AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj, party workers detained at Jantar Mantar amid protests against Gyanesh Kumar

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj was detained by the police on Friday after he arrived at Jantar Mantar to join a protest against the Election Commission (EC).

Earlier in the day, Bharadwaj reached the protest site and urged people to join the demonstration. He asked them to protest peacefully and in a constitutional manner.

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"Without using a car, I have reached Jantar Mantar. You too can reach here. I am sure by the afternoon a lot of Gen-Z, women and youth will reach Jantar Mantar to raise their voice against the Election Commission. Protesting is our right," he said.

He said police told them that no permission had been given for the protest. "Six days ago, AAP had applied for official permission for a peaceful protest here," he said.

Speaking to reporters, Bharadwaj said, "I want to tell all our young friends, boys, girls, and elders, that I have arrived alone, without any car, without any horse, and without any companion. I paid Rs 11 for the metro and Rs 80 to the auto driver. When I can reach Jantar Mantar for just Rs 91, all our friends can reach there too."

On police presence and the closure of some metro stations, he said people could still reach the venue. "You might think there is police, some metro stations are closed, but you can reach wherever you want. With folded hands, I request everyone in a peaceful manner," he said.

He said the issue was linked to democracy and freedom. "This is a fight where if we don't fight, democracy and freedom in this country are all going to end. Therefore, you have to fight this battle. You have to fight this battle in a technical, constitutional, and peaceful manner; there is no other option," he said.

In a post on X, Bharadwaj alleged that police personnel were stationed at his residence. "Modi ji, look at how much trouble you have caused our SHO sir. The poor guy sat at my house all night long. In the morning again, several other police constables are sitting at my house, and the SHO sir is sitting there himself. Hey, I am not even at my house!" he said.

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He also advised those travelling by metro that many stations near Jantar Mantar were closed. "But you can come up to AIIMS, and from AIIMS you can take an auto, take a cab, or walk," he said.

Questioning the restrictions around the venue, he said, "The country is free. Why would this government allow a peaceful protest against itself? Understand this point!"

He also made a political remark linking the Prime Minister and the EC. "Just as the king's life was trapped in the parrot, Modi ji's life is inside the Election Commission!" he said.

(With inputs from ANI)