Heavy police deployment at Shivaji Park as protesters detained; Sandeep Deshpande alleges BJP role

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and some student organisations are holding a vigorous agitation in Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Its effect has been visible in Mumbai too since yesterday. Police in both Delhi and Mumbai are detaining people, raising questions about the protesters' freedom of expression.

Police had detained a large number of CJP office-bearers, political leaders and other protesters yesterday. The police are repeating the same action today. There is considerable anger and much discussion in political and social circles over this.

In view of the agitation, Mumbai Police have put heavy security arrangements in place around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park in Dadar. Barricades have been erected on the roads leading to the area, and several people have reportedly been detained. Social activist Anjali Damania was also detained by the police. People coming to the area are reportedly being questioned as well.

A call for an agitation in Mumbai had been given to demand Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and to protest the action against CJP supporters. Security in the Shivaji Park area was stepped up for this reason.

Some people said they were not protesters but were returning home from work or had come to the area for a stroll. The police detained them regardless, according to some youths. Anjali Damania was reportedly detained while trying to reach the protest site.

MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande has questioned the role of the police over the action and made serious allegations. According to him, a BJP office-bearer held a meeting of local residents at the Shivaji Park police station. Deshpande alleges that people at this meeting were told to stop the protesters and oppose them.

He also claimed that people were told to charge at the protesters and were assured of protection in return. Deshpande says he has evidence for these allegations. He asked whether an attempt was being made to engineer a clash in Mumbai.

The CJP had announced an agitation in Delhi demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. At that time, some workers, including the party's founder Abhijeet Dipke, were reportedly detained by police. An agitation was then announced in Mumbai as well.

The security arrangements around Shivaji Park, the detention of protesters and Sandeep Deshpande's allegations have given the matter a political colour. All eyes are now on the reasons the police acted as they did and on the stand the administration takes on Deshpande's allegations.