New Delhi: The national capital has been placed under massive security lockdown ahead of a planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. More than 20,000 security personnel, including forces from the Border Security Force, have been stationed across key areas of Delhi to maintain law and order. Authorities have also enforced internet suspensions within a four-kilometre radius of the protest venue.
Public transportation networks faced widespread disruptions as officials ordered the closure of 57 metro stations along routes heading towards the demonstration site. Additionally, inbound express trains from various states were scheduled for cancellation between the morning hours of 4 AM and 2 PM to curb the movement of demonstrators. The Union Home Secretary directed state administrations that the planned protest lacked official authorization and must not be allowed to proceed.
Concurrently, a high-level delegation of leaders from the opposition INDIA bloc, including prominent figures like Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, and Mallikarjun Kharge, met with President Droupadi Murmu. The opposition leaders submitted a memorandum detailing concerns regarding electoral malpractice and alleged election interference. Speaking to the media after the meeting, alliance members stated that the President listened to their grievances and requested concrete evidence, which the opposition agreed to provide.
During discussions with the President, opposition representatives reiterated their loss of confidence in electronic voting machines and demanded a return to traditional paper ballots. They pointed to recent electoral contests that they claimed were compromised and raised objections regarding the conduct of top election officials. The delegation confirmed that after facing detentions and movement restrictions in the capital, they intend to formally submit a similar memorandum to the Supreme Court of India to escalate their campaign on multiple legal and political fronts.