Delhi Protest Escalates: Activists Detained, Connaught Place Blocked

High drama unfolded in central Delhi as police detained key protest leaders, including Neha Bora, Deepankar Bhattacharya, and Abhijeet Dipke, during a march towards Connaught Place. Protesters and student groups, including Left associations and members of AISA, gathered from Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, and KG Marg to stage demonstrations against the Election Commission. Paramilitary personnel and Delhi Police maintained a heavy presence, cordoning off central areas and halting minivans carrying detainees amidst sit-ins by students. Speaking to the network, activist Anjali Bhardwaj asserted that holding peaceful protests is a fundamental right and criticized security forces for restricting citizens carrying national flags. She demanded accountability from the Chief Election Commissioner and called for scrapping the Special Intensive Revision exercise, alleging that the poll body has acted in a biased manner. Responding to government allegations regarding attempts at regime change, Bhardwaj maintained that regular elections exist specifically for peaceful transitions of power in a democracy.