Delhi Jantar Mantar Protests: Ahead of the proposed protests at Jantar Mantar and other locations in Delhi on Saturday (Oct 10), the authorities have taken pre-emptive action by shutting down major metro stations and cancelling trains, citing the likelihood of “unruly mob movement towards sensitive locations. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that entry and exit at 57 metro stations will remain closed from 9 PM on Friday (Oct 9) through Saturday (Oct 10), until further notice.
Why Has Delhi Police Asked For Closures?
The protest seeks the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive. Metro services will remain operational, and the capital city is expected to function as usual. The interchange facility will remain available at all concerned metro stations, except New Delhi metro station. The aim of the entry and exit ban is to stop large groups from reaching the protest area. Metro stations outside the DMRC list are not covered by restrictions. This is not the first instance when authorities have shut down metro stations and other modes of transport.
In July this year, 16 stations were shut from Monday amid the CJP’s march to Parliament over alleged exam irregularities.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a youth-led protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 over alleged “vote theft”. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke has said he will still march to Jantar Mantar.
