Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest spirals into chaos as demonstrators scatter across streets to evade mass detentions

What was to have been a mass rally at Jantar Mantar became a series of scattered protests and mass arrests amid security operations in Delhi as the weekend commenced. Thousands of protestors came face-to-face with policemen, metal barricades, and buses placed on major thoroughfares in the national capital. Small bands of protestors were also moving from street to street, chanting slogans and trying to regroup.

The agitation was carried out by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, Mr Gyanesh Kumar. The CJP said he had been responsible for manipulating the voter list in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of electoral rolls along with Form 6, which is used to register voters.

Also Read |45 Delhi Metro stations to remain closed till 10 PM amid CJP protests in national capital



Saturday’s protest was part of a series of protests that have taken place in Delhi in the last week, with a protest being carried out by Congress activists under Rahul Gandhi.

Security lockdown forces protesters to change routes

The demonstration was scheduled to begin at 10.30 am, but heavy security prevented protesters from reaching Jantar Mantar. Participants instead scattered across Connaught Place, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, Dilli Haat, Gole Market, INA Market and Minto Bridge, searching for alternative meeting points.

Protesters also gathered near Sansad Marg, Raisina Road, Hanuman Mandir and Shivaji Stadium metro station. Several were detained near Regal Cinema in Connaught Place, while others were chased away as they attempted to regroup.

Around 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across Delhi, according to officials. Entry and exit restrictions were imposed at 45 metro stations, while surveillance was intensified at the city's borders, railway stations and bus terminals.

Authorities had estimated that around 7,000 protesters could arrive in the capital. Police officers were instructed to exercise maximum restraint and handle the situation professionally. No violence was reported.

The disruption was particularly noticeable for protesters who had participated in a July demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Unlike that gathering, Saturday's participants struggled to establish a common meeting point and relied on social media posts and messages to coordinate.

"Last time, we were stationed at Jantar Mantar and then had to march. This time, there is so much confusion about when and where to come," a protester said, adding that participants would continue their fight for democracy.

Restrictions on mobile internet services and the suspension of trains arriving in New Delhi from outside the capital added to the difficulties faced by demonstrators.

Organisers seek alternative venues after leaders are detained

The detention of CJP leaders Abhijit Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka at the Delhi airport shortly after their flight from Mumbai landed further complicated the organisers' efforts.

Ajinkya Shinde, appointed the party's national organisation in-charge following their detention, urged protesters to continue demonstrating wherever police blocked their movement.

"If your movement is blocked by barricades or police personnel anywhere on the streets, do not stop -- start your protest right where you are stopped," Shinde said, reiterating the demand for Kumar's resignation.

The All India Students' Association (AISA) redirected its demonstration to Dilli Haat after detentions around Jantar Mantar. Its president, Neha Bora, announced the alternative venue on X, writing, "Delhi Haat becomes Jantar Mantar today! See you there!" Protesters later said Bora had also been detained.

There was yet another effort made by the Congress MP from Rajya Sabha, A A Rahim, along with SFI activists, to convene "Jantar Mantar 2.0" at Nangloi Stadium.

(With PTI inputs)