DMK Protests Against Election Commission In Chennai Amid Row Over SIR Exercise
A symbolic protest has been organised in Chennai against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the ongoing SIR exercise. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Kanimozhi is spearheading the demonstration, which features Periyar-like models as symbolic elements, alongside participation from VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan. The demonstration follows similar unrest in Delhi. The political dynamics in Tamil Nadu remain under observation as the TVK government designates specific locations for protests, including the stadium area, while various political fronts, including DMK and alliance partners, raise questions regarding the election process and voter outreach.
Delhi Face-off Over CJP Tiranga Rally, Connaught Place Security & Rajnath Slams Rahul
Delhi is bracing for a potential flashpoint as the Caucus Janata Party called for an unauthorised Tiranga rally at Central Park in Connaught Place. Party founder Abhijit Dipke urged citizens to join the demonstration following the arrest of leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das over events at Jantar Mantar. In response, authorities clamped prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita across the area. The New Delhi Municipal Council closed Central Park for two days citing administrative reasons, while Delhi Police deployed heavy security, diverted routes, and warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators. Police stated only 11 individuals would be permitted to unfurl the national flag at a designated location. Meanwhile, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh heavily criticised Rahul Gandhi and other opposition parties, accusing them of spreading lawlessness and attempting to hold democracy hostage under the guise of defending the Constitution.
Delhi Traders Move Supreme Court Over CJP Connaught Place Stir Citing Business Losses
Traders associations in Delhi, including the Khan Market Traders Association and the Delhi Kirana Committee, have moved the Supreme Court against the planned protest by the Concord Janata Party in Central Delhi's Connaught Place. The local municipal authorities closed Central Park for two days ahead of the scheduled Tiranga March, leading to road blockages and the closure of shops in the commercial hub. Counsel representing the traders submitted before the bench of the Chief Justice that daily-wage vendors, street stall operators, and local shopkeepers face severe financial disruption ahead of the festive season. The Supreme Court declined to pass immediate stay orders before the Dussehra break, observing that questions of compensation under tort law could be examined subsequently. Local trade representatives highlighted significant commercial losses running into thousands of crores across retail and wholesale sectors, urging authorities to prevent disruptive gatherings in key shopping markets during festive periods.
Supreme Court Plea Over Alleged Pushing Of Pregnant Journalist During Protest
The Supreme Court is set to hear an application concerning allegations that Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi pushed a pregnant woman journalist during a protest march. Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia mentioned the matter before the Chief Justice of India's bench, highlighting that a three-month pregnant media professional was allegedly manhandled while carrying out news gathering duties. The bench clarified that notice has been issued in the petitions linked to the protests and the Special Intensive Revision exercise, scheduling the matters to come up on 26 or 27 October after the Dussehra break. The controversy stems from visual footage showing chaotic scenes where a reporter claimed she was shoved to the ground. While the Bharatiya Janata Party has accused opposition leaders and protesters of misbehaving with women journalists, Congress leaders maintain that Rahul Gandhi was reacting to police manhandling and defending party workers during the march.