Jantar Mantar Protest: AAP Leaders Detained as Delhi Police Tightens Security Over CEC Row

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj and several party workers were detained during a protest at Jantar Mantar over allegations concerning the electoral process and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls.

By All India Story

2 Oct 2026, 1:37 PM IST 2 min read

AAP leaders and protesters detained during Jantar Mantar protest in Delhi on October 2, 2026 — AAP leaders and protesters were detained as security was tightened around Jantar Mantar during the October 2 protest.

The Jantar Mantar Protest in New Delhi intensified on October 2 as AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj and several party workers were detained while attempting to join the demonstration over the electoral process and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The gathering involved Opposition parties, student organisations and civil society groups, with protesters demanding action concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Security restrictions around Jantar Mantar

Delhi Police imposed restrictions across the New Delhi district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing public safety, maintenance of public order and traffic management. Police barricaded roads around Jantar Mantar and deployed additional security personnel, while drones were used for surveillance.

Police had denied permission for the proposed gathering. Bharadwaj said AAP had sought permission for a peaceful protest several days earlier and maintained that demonstrating was a democratic right. He was detained shortly after reaching the protest site.

RJD MP Manoj Jha also criticised the restrictions, questioning whether protesters should require permission to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar. Meanwhile, CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby called for action against Gyanesh Kumar during a separate protest involving SFI and DYFI.

Metro stations closed amid protests

The security measures also affected Delhi Metro services. Entry and exit at multiple stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk and New Delhi, were closed amid the protest. Traffic restrictions were also imposed around central Delhi, with authorities advising commuters to avoid affected routes.

The Election Commission says SIR is intended to ensure that eligible citizens remain on electoral rolls while ineligible entries are excluded. Its official voter portal provides information and services related to SIR 2026.

Election Commission of India – SIR 2026 voter services

The protest is part of a wider political campaign over the functioning of the Election Commission and concerns raised by Opposition parties and activist groups regarding the SIR process. The situation remained tense in central Delhi as security restrictions and detentions continued.