Congress Slams Modi, Amit Shah Over Jantar Mantar Protest Ban; Jairam Ramesh Calls It ‘Demokursi’
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah after Delhi Police reportedly removed Jantar Mantar from its list of designated protest sites. Ramesh accused the government of restricting peaceful demonstrations and used the term 'Demokursi' to criticise the decision. Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground have reportedly been designated as alternative protest locations.
New Delhi: The Congress on Monday, October 12, criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the Delhi Police's decision to remove Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites in the national capital.
Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh accused the central leadership of attempting to restrict peaceful demonstrations and described the decision as a sign of what he called growing political anxiety.
'Democracy No Longer Matters': Jairam Ramesh
Reacting to the decision, Ramesh took to social media platform X and accused the Prime Minister and Home Minister of suppressing public protests.
He alleged that the move reflected "extreme panic" within the country's top leadership.
Referring to the historic importance of Jantar Mantar as a protest venue, Ramesh said the location would no longer serve as a regular platform for democratic expression.
"Democracy no longer matters for them. It is all a matter of Demokursi," Ramesh wrote.
His remarks were part of the Congress party's criticism of the government's handling of recent demonstrations in Delhi.
Delhi Police Removes Jantar Mantar From Designated Protest Sites
The controversy follows a standing order reportedly issued on October 11 by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar.
According to the order described in reports, Jantar Mantar has been removed as a designated location for public demonstrations.
Instead, three alternative locations have been identified for protests:
- Ramlila Maidan
- Burari Ground
- CBD Ground, East Delhi
The decision changes the designated venues available to protest organisers in the national capital.
Decision Comes Amid Recent Delhi Protests
The reported change follows heightened security arrangements in Delhi amid demonstrations concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Several political leaders, student activists and civil society representatives have participated in protests raising concerns about the electoral-roll revision process.
Delhi Police had earlier restricted gatherings around Jantar Mantar, citing security and crowd-management concerns.
The latest decision has triggered criticism from Congress, which argues that removing the historic protest venue restricts opportunities for public demonstrations.
Congress Questions Restrictions on Public Demonstrations
Jantar Mantar has long been associated with political demonstrations, public campaigns and civil society movements in Delhi.
Ramesh's criticism centres on the argument that public spaces for peaceful dissent should remain accessible.
The Delhi Police order identifies alternative protest venues, although the practical arrangements and permission requirements for demonstrations at those locations remain relevant.
The Congress has characterised the move as an attempt to restrict dissent. The police decision, however, concerns the designation of protest venues rather than a nationwide prohibition on demonstrations.