Rahul Gandhi backs youth protests in Delhi as police detain thousands at Jantar Mantar

Police crackdown in Delhi

Delhi Police detained more than 3,000 demonstrators on Saturday as security forces blocked an unauthorized protest march towards Jantar Mantar. Authorities placed central Delhi under heavy security restrictions, closing metro stations, suspending train services, and enforcing prohibitory orders under Section 163 across the New Delhi administrative district.

Police officials said the demonstration, organised by a youth group called the Cockroach Janta Party, lacked official permission. Officers also held more than 600 individuals with existing criminal records in preventive detention ahead of the gathering. The group has been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Rahul Gandhi attacks central leadership

Speaking in a video message published on X from Chennai, where he was attending his Chhatron Ki Goonj student event, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged the youth to continue their demonstrations despite police action.

"Youth of India, I am proud of you. Keep protesting. We are standing with you," Gandhi said. He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, claiming their political space was closing.

Gandhi accused the central government of deploying excessive force to suppress public dissent. "Mr Modi, do whatever you want. Call out all the police: 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, whatever you want. Arrest all the leaders. Arrest all the young people. Arrest us all," he said, asserting that the opposition possessed information regarding alleged election manipulation.

Security measures and political debate

Defending the security response, BJP spokesperson Radhika Khera stated that administrative restrictions and detentions were necessary to preserve public order and prevent potential hooliganism. Police had also responded to reports of clashes and stone pelting in the nearby Connaught Place area during the security buildup.

Opposition spokespersons criticized the heavy deployment and transit closures, arguing that the measures infringed on citizens' constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.