JANTAR MANTAR TURNS INTO FLASHPOINT AS PROTESTERS SEEK CEC GYANESH KUMAR’S RESIGNATION

October 3, 2026

NEW DELHI — A protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar on Saturday led to the detention of around 150 people, including All India Students’ Association national president Neha Bora, activist Yogendra Yadav and senior advocate Prashant Bhushan.

The demonstrators marched from Patel Chowk towards Jantar Mantar, demanding Kumar’s resignation over allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and the deletion of voters. Police stopped the marchers as they approached the protest venue and detained several participants.

Security arrangements were tightened across the area, with barricades placed on roads leading to Jantar Mantar. The latest action followed a larger crackdown on Friday, when nearly 1,000 protesters were detained from Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas.

Delhi Police has also registered three FIRs in connection with Friday’s demonstrations, citing alleged violations of prohibitory orders restricting gatherings and demonstrations without prior permission.

The protests have brought renewed public attention to the political and civil-society controversy surrounding the revision of electoral rolls, with demonstrators demanding greater scrutiny of the process and accountability from the Election Commission.