Live: AAP workers detained, Jantar Mantar sealed as protest against CEC heats up

Live blogJantar Mantar Protest Live Updates: The Opposition's campaign against alleged “vote theft” and irregularities in the electoral process enters a key phase on Thursday, with civil society groups, student organisations and Opposition parties set to gather at Delhi's Jantar Mantar to protest concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The protest coincides with the launch of the INDIA bloc's week-long Save Democracy campaign, which will run from October 2 to October 8. Student organisations including the All India Students' Association (AISA) and Students' Federation of India (SFI) are expected to participate in the Jantar Mantar protest, along with political parties including the RJD and Congress. The Jantar Mantar gathering is part of the Opposition's wider mobilisation over what INDIA bloc parties have described as “vote theft” and concerns surrounding the SIR exercise. The parties are planning district-level marches across the country during the week to raise awareness among voters about their concerns over the electoral process. The Opposition has also announced a joint march to the Election Commission's office in Delhi on October 6. The week-long campaign was announced after leaders of several INDIA bloc parties met on September 30 and decided to intensify their mobilisation over the issue. The protests, beginning with the Jantar Mantar gathering on October 2, are expected to extend across the country through October 8. To catch the live updates, follow our blog at indiatoday.in...Read MoreHeavy security depoloyed outside Jantar MantarOct 2, 2026 10:14 ISTJantar Mantar Protest Live: Saurabh Bhardwaj, AAP workers detained at Jantar MantarAAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj and several workers of the party have been detained as protests against Gyanesh Kumar over the allegations of vote chori heated up.Oct 2, 2026 10:03 ISTJantar Mantar Protest Live: Protesters denied permission ahead of the eventThe Delhi Police has denied permission for the protesters to hold a gathering against the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, and the alleged malpractices in the SIR process. Oct 2, 2026 10:01 ISTSave Democracy March: Opposition parties to launch Save Democracy March todayOther than the protest at the Jantar Mantar, the Opposition Parties will also launch their Save Democracy campaign against the Election Commission and the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. The campaign will aim to raise concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revisions (SIR) among the voters by holding district-level marches and gatherings before organising a rally at the Election Commission's office on October 6.Oct 2, 2026 09:57 ISTProtest at Jantar Mantar: Heavy security deployed outside Jantar Mantar Ahead of the protest gathering at Delhi's Jantar Mantar today, the Delhi Police have imposed restrictions across New Delhi district under Section 163 of the BNSS, citing public safety, maintenance of public order and smooth traffic movement. The order prohibits unauthorised gatherings, public speeches, slogan shouting, processions, demonstrations and dharnas, among other specified activities. The police have urged citizens to comply with the restrictions and cooperate with the authorities, warning that violations will invite legal action. Meanwhile, heavy security has been deployed outside Jantar Mantar, with the police barricading the entire area. #WATCH | Delhi | Security heightened at Jantar Mantar in view of a call for protest by activists, political leaders and civil society representatives against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision and demanding accountability from the Chief Election Commissioner. Entry and exit… pic.twitter.com/x58ENirt09 — ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2026 Oct 2, 2026 09:49 ISTJantar Mantar Protest Live: 11 metro stations are shut in Delhi Ahead of the protest gathering in Delhi's Jantar Mantar against the alleged irregularities in the SIR process and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the authorities decided to close eleven metro stations. Among them, some of the metro stations are close to Jantar Mantar. The closed metro stations are: Janpath Patel Chowk Central Secretariat Rajiv Chowk Seva Teerth Mandi House Lok Kalyan Marg INA Chawri Bazar Ramakrishna Ashram Marg New Delhi Oct 2, 2026 09:41 ISTJantar Mantar Protest Live: Opposition parties, student organisations, activists to gather at Jantar Mantar todaySeveral civil society groups, student organisations and Opposition parties are set to gather at Delhi's Jantar Mantar today to protest alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Student groups including AISA and SFI are expected to participate, while the RJD, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are also likely to join the protest. The gathering is part of the Opposition's broader campaign over concerns about the electoral process, alleged “vote theft” and its demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.