New Delhi. The political stir has intensified ahead of the proposed demonstration of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Delhi. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was taken into custody by Delhi Police on Saturday. He was going to Jantar Mantar in connection with the protest against the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. Meanwhile, Delhi Police also detained several leaders, activists and others who had reached the capital to join the protest. Police increased security in many parts of the city and set up barricades in sensitive areas.
What was the reason given for detaining Kejriwal?
Delhi Police had tightened security arrangements regarding the proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The police had not given permission for the demonstration and there were fears that law and order would be disturbed. During this time, many people who were going to participate in the demonstration were detained. However, the detailed official stand of the police regarding the action of detaining Kejriwal is not clear. Aam Aadmi Party raised questions on the police action and called it an attempt to suppress the voice of protest.
What allegations did Kejriwal make against the government?
After the detention action, Kejriwal targeted the central government. Comparing the current situation to emergency on social media, he alleged that the government is using the police to stop the protesters. AAP leaders also claimed that heavy police force was deployed around Kejriwal’s residence and the party office was sealed. The party says that peaceful protest is a democratic right and the government should talk to the protesters. These allegations have been made by the Aam Aadmi Party.
Which CJP leaders were already detained?
CJP convenor Abhijeet Deepke, co-convenors Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, who reached Delhi before the protest, were detained inside the plane at Indira Gandhi International Airport. All three had reached Delhi via Air India flight from Mumbai. CJP condemned this action and demanded the immediate release of the leaders. The party says that it wanted to protest on the issues related to the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and the voter list. The police took action due to security reasons, while the party called it an attempt to stop the protest.
Why are there protests regarding SIR and Chief Election Commissioner?
The CJP and some opposition leaders supporting the protest have alleged that there were irregularities in the special intensive revision of the voter list. There is a demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding this issue. The protesters have raised questions on the process of voter list and demanded transparency. On the other hand, the Election Commission has been calling the revision of voter list a process of verification of voter records. Political controversy has increased between these allegations and claims.
How tight were the security arrangements in Delhi?
In view of the demonstration, deployment of police and security forces was increased in many areas of the capital. Barricades were set up on major roads and vehicles were checked. There were also reports of entry and exit gates of some metro stations being closed and traffic being affected. The opposition has raised questions regarding police action and restrictions on transport services. This entire incident has increased political tension in Delhi. Now the focus is on when the detained leaders are released and what further steps are taken regarding the proposed demonstration.
