SIR row: Delhi Police debunk viral Jantar Mantar protest video as "old"
Delhi Police clarify that the viral video of a massive protest at Jantar Mantar is old footage, debunking claims of a live protest against the ECI.
The Delhi Police has officially debunked a viral video circulating on social media that purportedly shows a massive protest at Jantar Mantar. Clarifying the situation amidst intense political scrutiny over the Election Commission of India (ECI), authorities stated that the footage is nothing more than old archived material from a past event and does not represent any live demonstration occurring today.
Misinformation Alert: Police Warn of Legal Action
The clarification comes after the video gained significant traction on X (formerly Twitter), being shared by prominent figures including Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. The video was accompanied by claims suggesting a massive uprising was underway at the heart of the capital. However, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) New Delhi issued a formal misinformation alert on Saturday.
The police department made it clear that the claims of a live, massive protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar today are entirely false. The official statement warned that legal action will be taken against any individuals found deliberately spreading misleading content or circulating misinformation that could disturb public order.
Political Tension Surrounding the SIR Drive
This digital confusion arrives at a highly sensitive time for the country. The Election Commission of India is currently facing intense scrutiny regarding its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive. This controversy was fueled by reports suggesting that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections at least 14 times over a ten-month period concerning decisions and procedures related to the SIR exercise.
The political landscape is currently charged with tension as various leaders demand accountability:
- Opposition Demands: Several opposition parties have raised allegations regarding the SIR exercise, with many demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
- PDP Appeal: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has called for a protest at Jantar Mantar on September 29, alleging that democratic values are under threat and that names of Muslims are being removed from voter lists.
- Youth Congress Action: The Indian Youth Congress recently marched from Raisina Road to Jantar Mantar as part of a nationwide programme against the ECI.
- Broadening Fronts: Leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), CPI(M), and CPI(ML) Liberation are actively pushing for a united opposition front, with discussions underway to build a broader movement beyond the INDIA bloc.
While the ECI has rejected the various allegations leveled against its functioning, the political pressure continues to mount. The upcoming meeting of the INDIA bloc, expected on September 30, is anticipated to focus heavily on the SIR exercise and the ongoing controversies surrounding the Election Commission.