Delhi Central Park closed as police tighten security before protest
Opposition anger over the voter list revision grows as thousands of security personnel fill the streets of the Indian capital.
Delhi – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Delhi Central Park closed on Friday, just ahead of a fresh protest calling for the removal of India’s chief election commissioner. Authorities said the closure would last two days.
Municipal officials gave “administrative” reasons for the decision. They did not say more.
The protest is led by the Cockroach Janta Party, also known as CJP. The group has become a leading voice against a large voter list revision across the country.
Critics say the exercise has pushed millions of people off the rolls. Media reports say more than 130 million names have been removed.
Many critics claim minorities, especially Muslims, have been hit the hardest. They also argue that the new lists favour Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party.
The Election Commission of India rejects these claims. It says the aim was to remove duplicate, dead and fake entries.
Security was tight across parts of the city on Friday. Thousands of personnel were deployed, and yellow metal barricades were placed at key crossings.
Police have also banned public gatherings around Connaught Place. They cited public order and safety. They warned that anyone breaking the order could face legal action, but said “selected persons” might be allowed to gather at a suitable place.
Earlier this week, police withdrew permission for Jantar Mantar as a protest site. Two CJP members were later detained after crossing barricades there to wave the national flag.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke asked supporters to gather at Central Park instead. He said he was not afraid of arrest and asked why leaders feared “cockroaches”.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh rejected the protesters’ case at a news conference. He said the opposition wanted to weaken democratic institutions and create unrest. He called the protests an attempt to seize power through chaos.
The standoff shows how tense the debate over India’s voter lists has become. Both sides now wait to see how Friday’s events unfold.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.