‘If protest failed, why detain over 6,000?’: AAP hits back at BJP over anti-CEC protest in Delhi

On Saturday, activists and supporters gathered in several parts of Delhi to protest against the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging bias in the upcoming elections. The demonstration was organized by groups aligned with the Aam Aadmi Party and attracted thousands of participants. Police intervened after the crowd began to block major roads, and more than 6,000 individuals were taken into custody, according to official figures released later in the day. The arrests included many first‑time demonstrators who had not been previously charged with any offence.

In response, the AAP issued a statement accusing the BJP‑led administration of using the protest as a pretext for a large‑scale crackdown. Party leaders asked why the government would detain thousands if the protest had not succeeded in its objectives, suggesting that the move was intended to intimidate future dissent. The party also called for the immediate release of those detained and demanded an independent inquiry into the police actions, emphasizing that the right to peaceful assembly is a cornerstone of Indian democracy.

The incident has sparked debate across the political spectrum and drawn comments from civil‑society organisations. Legal experts warn that mass detentions without clear charges could invite judicial scrutiny, while opposition parties have pledged to raise the issue in the Parliament. For readers in India, the episode highlights the tension between security measures and civil liberties, especially in a city that often serves as a testing ground for national policies. The outcome may influence how future protests are managed and how electoral bodies are perceived by the public.