New Delhi (GNP): Authorities locked down the Indian capital on Monday ahead of a fresh rally against the country’s election chief, as opposition leaders and journalists accused police of heavy-handed tactics during weekend demonstrations.
Thousands of security personnel were deployed across central Delhi for a third straight day. Heavy metal barricades went up on roads leading to the centre, and six major metro stations were closed before a march called by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi.
The protests were triggered by allegations of misconduct during a nationwide voter roll revision. Critics say the exercise could benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Election Commission of India, which oversees voting in the world’s most populous nation, has denied any wrongdoing.
Attention has since shifted to the police response. Local reports say thousands of protesters were detained over the weekend, including members of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement.
Most of those held, including three top CJP leaders, have since been released. Opposition figures nonetheless accuse the authorities of trying to suppress dissent through mass detentions.
Among them is John Brittas, a parliamentarian from the Communist Party of India (Marxist). He alleged that police manhandled and assaulted him during Sunday’s demonstrations.
Police did not respond to questions on the detentions or their conduct at a news conference on Sunday.
Journalists have raised similar complaints. Several reporters covering the protest said they were detained even though they were openly displaying their press cards.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said at least 16 journalists were held during the weekend protests and called the actions unacceptable.
Gandhi, who leads the Congress party, urged supporters to join Monday’s march to the Supreme Court. He said on social media on Sunday that there was nothing to fear and dismissed those confronting the protesters as cowards.
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The CJP, which has millions of social media followers, has pledged to keep protesting until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar steps down.
The movement has become one of the most significant political challenges of Modi’s third term. It has brought together opposition parties, student groups and activists angered by the revision.
Reports say the exercise led to the removal of more than 133 million names from electoral lists. Critics argue that minorities, particularly Muslims, have been disproportionately affected.
Election authorities reject that view and say the move was meant to eliminate duplicate, deceased and fraudulent entries.
Brittas said, “It is an assault on democratic freedoms and the rule of law.”
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
