Watch: Drones take to Delhi skies ahead of CJP protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Quick Look
Delhi Police deployed drones and 35,000 personnel to monitor security ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral roll irregularities, with transport restrictions and barricades in place.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Cockroach Janta Party has called a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which opposition parties claim unfairly removed eligible voters.
Drones are being used to monitor the security situation around the roundabout near Hotel Le Méridien in central Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) planned protest on Saturday, as the capital witnesses heightened security, transport restrictions and traffic diversions. According to ANI, drones were monitoring the area ahead of the demonstration scheduled at Jantar Mantar. The protest has been called to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Delhi Police has denied permission for the demonstration, but organisers have maintained that they intend to proceed with the protest. Delhi Police has drawn up an extensive security plan involving around 35,000 personnel, including police and paramilitary forces, to prevent any breach of law and order. Security has been strengthened across central Delhi, with barricades, surveillance systems and additional personnel deployed at sensitive locations. The arrangements include drone surveillance, facial recognition systems and CCTV monitoring, according to media reports. Police have also established multiple barricading points and detention facilities to deal with attempts to stage unauthorised demonstrations. Security checks have been intensified around Jantar Mantar, Janpath and other sensitive locations, while personnel have been deployed at key approach roads to restrict the movement of protesters towards designated and restricted areas. The operation also includes more than 30 blockade points, including locations along Delhi’s borders. Police have been instructed to detain people attempting to stage unauthorised demonstrations, while Central Armed Police Forces have been placed on alert. The restrictions have also affected public transport. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation revised its earlier plan to restrict access at 57 stations, with its latest reported advisory providing for entry and exit closures at 45 stations from 9 pm on Friday until 6 pm on Saturday. Indian Railways cancelled services to and from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday. Mobile internet services have been suspended within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing from 10 pm on Friday until 10 pm on Saturday. The agitation centres on allegations that the SIR exercise has unfairly removed eligible voters from electoral rolls. Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission of conducting the revision in a manner that could disadvantage their supporters, while the BJP and the poll body have rejected allegations of manipulation.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The protest will proceed at Jantar Mantar despite police denial of permission
Likely · Within days
Delhi Police will detain individuals attempting to stage unauthorised demonstrations
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Will the protest proceed despite police denial of permission?
- What specific irregularities are alleged in the Special Intensive Revision?
- How will the transport restrictions affect commuters and businesses?
