‘Very Unfair’: D. Raja Criticises Restrictions Ahead of INDIA Bloc Protest at Jantar Mantar

Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D. Raja on Friday criticised the government over alleged restrictions on protests ahead of the INDIA bloc’s planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar on October 10, describing the measures as “very unfair” and “highly condemnable”.

His remarks came amid reports of train cancellations at two railway stations in Delhi and disruptions affecting 56 metro stations ahead of the proposed protest.

Speaking to IANS, Raja accused the authorities of taking steps to prevent or disrupt demonstrations, alleging that restrictions on public movement and the deployment of additional security personnel were intended to discourage people from participating.

“They are going to close all metro stations. They are not allowing people to walk on the streets, and extra forces are being deployed everywhere to terrorise people and prevent them from coming,” he said.

Despite the reported restrictions, Raja expressed confidence that people would find ways to participate in the demonstration.

“So, people are people, they know how to face all of this,” he added.

Raja also confirmed that the CPI would participate in the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled for 3 p.m. on Friday at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. Opposition leaders are expected to discuss their ongoing campaign over alleged electoral irregularities and decide on the next course of action.

“Our party will participate in the meeting. It is scheduled for 3 p.m. in the Central Hall of Parliament, and I will attend it myself,” Raja said.

He added that the meeting would consider the timing and size of a proposed delegation to meet President Droupadi Murmu, along with other steps the Opposition could take.

Sources indicated that the meeting could lead to another round of protests over alleged electoral irregularities, which Opposition parties have described as “vote chori”.

The dispute comes amid growing tensions between Opposition parties and the Election Commission of India over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the Opposition’s demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The proposed Jantar Mantar demonstration would mark the fourth consecutive day of Opposition protests over the issue. The INDIA bloc has also sought an appointment with President Murmu to present its concerns about the electoral process.

Opposition leaders have indicated that they may consider other ways to press their demands if the President does not grant them an appointment.