The CJP’s weeks-long protest in the summer seeking education reforms was its first major challenge to Modi’s government. The CJP scored a major victory when it forced education minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign in July.
The CJP protesters returned to streets last week with a rally in Mumbai city to press for CEC Kumar’s resignation. On Thursday, they held a huge rally in the southern city of Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore).
Student groups and opposition parties have also protested in the capital over the past few days.
Saturday’s protests are being billed as the biggest in recent times as they are also being supported by several opposition parties, farmer organisations and student groups.
CJP leaders allege the authorities have been preventing many of their supporters from reaching Delhi.
In the capital, more than 30,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed and authorities have appealed to citizens to stay away from protests.
Police official Nupur Prasad told a press conference, external that one of the reasons for denying permission to protest at Jantar Mantar was the “short notice” given by the CJP.
“Under current guidelines, an application to organise an event at Jantar Mantar must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date,” she said.
Also, she added that in the past, the CJP had not followed “lawful directions” given to them.
“In light of the non-compliance with prescribed procedures, the failure to adhere to past legal directions, and the current state of public safety, law and order, and traffic regulation, permission for the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar is hereby denied.”
The CJP have questioned police denying them permission for the protest – they say that legally they only have to inform the police and do not need their approval to gather.
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