SFI, DYFI March to Reclaim Jantar Mantar as Protest Site
SFI and DYFI hold a joint march demanding the reclamation of Jantar Mantar as a protest site and the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
In a significant escalation of tensions over the right to demonstrate in the national capital, the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) conducted a joint protest march on Monday. The demonstrators marched from Firoz Shah Road to Jantar Mantar, voicing two primary demands: the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the immediate reclamation of Jantar Mantar as a designated venue for public protests.
The Battle Over Jantar Mantar
The march follows a controversial decision to de-notify Jantar Mantar as a sanctioned site for demonstrations in Delhi. According to an official notice, the Delhi Police has instead designated three alternative locations for protesters: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in East Delhi.
This shift in policy comes after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) formed a committee to identify alternative venues for citizens to exercise their right to protest. Based on the committee's findings, the historic site was stripped of its protest status. The announcement of this de-notification coincided with representatives from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) attempting to seek permission for a peaceful demonstration at the site.
Police Action and Arrests
The atmosphere in Delhi has remained volatile, with law enforcement taking firm action against those attempting to use the de-notified site. The Delhi Police reported the arrest of three CJP activists—Sourav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and Ajinkya Shinde—following an incident on October 13.
According to police statements, the activists allegedly attempted to enter the Jantar Mantar area through private premises to bypass restrictions. The authorities claimed the group obstructed police personnel performing their duties. As a result:
- Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been remanded to five days of judicial custody.
- Ajinkya Shinde has been bound down for six months to ensure peace and good behaviour.
Political Unrest Intensifies
The protests by SFI and DYFI are part of a broader wave of agitation in the capital. Leaders and parliamentarians from the opposition INDIA bloc have also launched massive protest marches from Connaught Place. Their agitation targets the Election Commission, alleging electoral manipulation and the subversion of democratic institutions.
Despite the legal hurdles and the relocation of protest sites, the CJP has maintained a defiant stance. The group stated that its demand for the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar remains unchanged and emphasized that they will not accept the loss of Jantar Mantar as a reason to retreat from democratic action or abandon their calls for electoral accountability.
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar has indicated that a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued to govern how protests are conducted at the three newly designated venues in East Delhi.