AAP Leaders Detained at Jantar Mantar Protest Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Public Lokpal
October 02, 2026
AAP Leaders Detained at Jantar Mantar Protest Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
New Delhi: A major political showdown unfolded in New Delhi as top leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Saurabh Bharadwaj and Sanjeev Jha, were detained by Delhi Police during a high-stakes protest at Jantar Mantar. The demonstration was organized to demand the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, with protesters sharply criticizing the Election Commission over alleged mass voter deletions and the controversial Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Tensions escalated early as Delhi Police denied permission for the assembly, enforcing strict prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS across Central Delhi. Heavy police deployment, barricades, and Rapid Action Force units were mobilized to block access, alongside the temporary closure of nearby metro stations. Despite the severe restrictions, hundreds of party workers gathered to voice their dissent.
Even from inside a police detention vehicle, AAP leaders remained defiant. Saurabh Bharadwaj released a video message condemning the police action, calling it an assault on peaceful democratic dissent, and urging supporters to continue gathering. The sweeping detentions have intensified the political friction between the ruling party and opposition groups over electoral administration.