New Delhi, October 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
AAP Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj and several party workers were detained by Delhi Police on Friday during a protest at Jantar Mantar against the Election Commission of India and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protest was linked to Opposition concerns over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for action against the poll panel. Delhi Police had denied permission for the proposed demonstration and imposed prohibitory orders across the New Delhi district.
Speaking to reporters before his detention, Bharadwaj criticised the security arrangements in the capital and appealed to AAP workers and supporters to reach Jantar Mantar.
“The whole of Delhi has been turned into a fortress right now, as if Mahmud of Ghazni is about to launch an attack. But I want to tell all our young companions — young men, young women and elders — that I have reached here all alone, without a car, without a horse and without any companion,” he said.
“I paid Rs 11 for the Metro and Rs 80 to the auto-rickshaw driver. When I can reach Jantar Mantar for just Rs 91, all our companions can reach here as well,” Bharadwaj added.
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Delhi Police imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing public safety, maintenance of public order and smooth movement of traffic. The order prohibits unauthorised gatherings, processions, demonstrations, dharnas, public speeches and slogan shouting, among other activities.
Security was strengthened around Jantar Mantar, with barricades and additional police and central armed police personnel deployed in the area. Police had anticipated a large turnout despite denying permission for the protest.
The mobilisation involved student organisations and Opposition groups raising concerns over the SIR exercise and the electoral-roll revision process. The protest was also linked to demands for the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
The political dispute comes amid continuing Opposition criticism of the SIR exercise, with parties alleging irregularities in electoral rolls. The Election Commission has maintained that the revision process is being conducted in accordance with established procedures.
Opposition parties are also planning a broader “Save Democracy” campaign, including district-level marches and gatherings to raise concerns about the electoral process. A larger mobilisation outside the Election Commission’s office has been planned for October 6.
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