Dipke did not identify the person he was referring to, and there was no official confirmation that internet services had been deliberately restricted. Reports from the area described connectivity problems as police imposed extensive security measures across central New Delhi ahead of demonstrations demanding Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Delhi Police had denied permission for the October 2 gathering and imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita across the New Delhi district. The restrictions barred unauthorised assemblies and demonstrations. Barricades were erected on approaches to Jantar Mantar, traffic was diverted and entry and exit at several Delhi Metro stations were temporarily closed. Authorities had also advised commuters to avoid affected routes around Connaught Place, Parliament Street and adjoining parts of the New Delhi district as regulated movement and diversions remained in force during Friday’s demonstration there.
Hundreds of protesters nevertheless attempted to reach the demonstration site. Estimates of detentions varied, with accounts putting the number from more than 500 to about 1,000. Those detained included opposition politicians, student activists and members of civil-society groups. The protest was backed by organisations including the All India Students’ Association and political groups opposed to the Election Commission’s handling of the electoral-roll revision.
The internet disruption became another point of contention because no formal shutdown order was publicly announced. Reports from central Delhi described mobile internet as unusually slow near the protest zone, but the cause could not be independently established. Neither Dipke’s post nor the available official information provided evidence linking the connectivity problems to an intentional government action.
The Delhi demonstration was separate from the CJP’s mobilisation in Mumbai, where Dipke addressed thousands of supporters at Shivaji Park on Friday. The youth-led group has demanded Kumar’s resignation and challenged the conduct of the SIR, alleging that eligible voters have been removed from electoral rolls. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing and has maintained that the revision is intended to ensure accurate and lawful voter lists.
Dipke subsequently announced that the CJP would organise another demonstration at Jantar Mantar on October 10 if Kumar did not resign. He said supporters from across the country would march to Delhi and added that, if police stopped them before they reached the designated site, they would protest wherever they were halted.
He also said the proposed October 10 mobilisation would be peaceful and invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s approach to protest. The announcement followed the Mumbai demonstration, where the CJP said it was prepared to continue its campaign over electoral rolls for an extended period.
The controversy surrounding the SIR has intensified amid questions from opposition parties, activists and sections of civil society about voter deletions, documentation requirements and the Election Commission’s decision-making. The Commission has defended the exercise as part of its constitutional responsibility to maintain electoral rolls and has said eligible citizens have avenues to register or correct their entries.
Its voter services portal continues to provide facilities connected with the 2026 SIR, including checking names against earlier rolls, submitting documents in response to notices and filing Form 6 for new voter registration. Critics, however, argue that the scale and procedures of the revision risk excluding legitimate voters, a contention the Commission disputes.
Friday’s Delhi mobilisation had been called by student and civil-society groups, with Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and advocate Prashant Bhushan among those associated with the protest call. Police said permission had not been granted and cited public-order requirements while enforcing restrictions around Jantar Mantar.
