"It is unfortunate": RJD MP Manoj Jha says Jantar Mantar denotification reflects government's fear
RJD MP Manoj Jha calls the denotification of Jantar Mantar a sign of government fear as political clashes erupt over protest sites and infiltrators.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Member of Parliament Manoj Jha has launched a scathing attack on the government following the decision to denotify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. Describing the move as "unfortunate," Jha asserted that the decision is a clear manifestation of the administration's fear of public dissent.
"People Will Reclaim It": Manoj Jha on Jantar Mantar
Speaking to the media, the RJD leader emphasized the historical importance of the venue as a cornerstone of democratic expression in India. He suggested that attempts to suppress the voice of the people would ultimately backfire on the ruling dispensation.
"It is unfortunate, and the government will realise this. God knows what fear made you take away a protest site like Jantar Mantar, which has historical significance. Believe me, if not today, people will take it back tomorrow... Such repressive behaviour makes the government look weaker..."
Jha further questioned the motivations of those in power, remarking that the venue remains the true voice of the Indian people, and questioned the perspective of leaders who have never participated in public protests.
Political Firestorm Over Election Commission and Infiltrators
The debate over Jantar Mantar coincided with a sharp political confrontation involving Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Leaders from the BJP and Shiv Sena accused Gandhi of undermining the Election Commission and attempting to protect illegal immigrants for electoral gains.
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC targeted Gandhi regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, which is a constitutional duty of the Election Commission. She alleged that Gandhi's criticisms were a calculated move to secure a specific vote bank.
Key allegations made by political opponents:
- Shaina NC: Alleged that Rahul Gandhi is attempting to protect Bangladeshis and Rohingyas to remain relevant in the 2029 elections.
- Tarun Chugh: The BJP MP accused Gandhi of engaging in politics to shield infiltrators and protect "dead voters" and duplicate votes, thereby targeting Indian democracy.
Chugh further claimed that the opposition's campaign against the Parliament, the judiciary, the press, and EVMs is an attempt to malign national institutions.
Clashes and Arrests Near Denotified Site
The tension reached a breaking point following an incident involving activists from the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Delhi Police reported the arrest of three activists for allegedly attempting to disturb public peace and instigate unlawful activities through social media.
According to official police statements, the confrontation occurred on the morning of October 13. Activists, including Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, allegedly attempted to enter the denotified Jantar Mantar protest site through private premises. When police intervened, the protesters reportedly obstructed officials in the discharge of their duties.
The legal fallout of the incident includes:
- Judicial Custody: Two activists, Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, have been remanded to five days of judicial custody.
- Peace Bonds: Activist Ajinkya Shinde has been bound down for six months to maintain peace and good behaviour.
- Police Action: Two FIRs have been registered at the Connaught Place and Parliament Street police stations under various sections of the law.