CJP leaders slam removal of Jantar Mantar from protest venues, allege attack on dissent

New Delhi, Oct 12 (UNI) The removal of Jantar Mantar from Delhi's list of designated protest venues triggered sharp criticism from Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders today, with the organisation's founder Abhijeet Dipke alleging that the move reflected an attempt to curb public dissent and restrict democratic freedoms.

Dipke said the historic protest site had effectively ceased to serve its original purpose, accusing the BJP government of creating an atmosphere hostile to demonstrations. In a post on X, he declared, "Ab poora desh Jantar Mantar banega!" (Now the entire country will become Jantar Mantar).

In another post, Dipke warned that the decision could have implications beyond the choice of a venue for demonstrations. "Today, Modi denotified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. Tomorrow, he will denotify democracy itself," he wrote. He alleged that the central issue was not the location of protests but the willingness of citizens to question those in power. "The dictator's problem was never the protest site. It was the very idea of people protesting," he said.

Other CJP leaders also questioned the decision, with Saurav Das describing it as an infringement on the right to peaceful assembly and Ashutosh Ranka taking a swipe at the alternative locations announced by the authorities. "Why is Narendra Modi scared of Jantar Mantar? The Jantar Mantar belongs to THE PEOPLE OF INDIA," Das wrote on X, questioning whether the Ministry of Home Affairs had consulted citizens, civil society organisations or other stakeholders before approving the change.

Terming the move arbitrary, Das said the removal of the iconic location from the list of designated protest sites raised concerns over the exercise of the fundamental right to demonstrate. He echoed Dipke's criticism, writing, "Just how they are denotifying people's Jantar Mantar, the Prime Minister will soon denotify democracy in India." Ranka, meanwhile, questioned the practicality of the newly designated venues, sarcastically asking, "Why not declare Mt Everest as the designated protest site?"

The criticism came after Delhi Police formally withdrew Jantar Mantar's status as an authorised venue for protests and designated Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in east Delhi as alternative locations for demonstrations. According to an order issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, the decision followed recommendations made by a committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to identify suitable alternative locations where citizens could hold protests and demonstrations. The standing order formalising the change was issued on October 11.

Police said a revised and detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) governing the organisation of demonstrations at the three newly designated venues would be issued separately. Jantar Mantar has remained one of the capital's most recognisable centres of public protest for decades, hosting demonstrations on political, social and economic issues. Its central location and longstanding association with public campaigns have made it a prominent gathering point for citizens and organisations seeking to draw attention to their demands. The change comes amid tensions surrounding recent protest calls by the CJP and other groups. A demonstration organised by the party earlier this year reportedly witnessed disruptions, violence and damage to public property. Police subsequently declined permission for its latest proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

UNI PWS SS