The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday accused the BJP-led central government of imposing a “black emergency” after police detained several protesters travelling to Jantar Mantar to participate in a demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The protest is aimed at demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of irregularities in the electoral process. The detentions and extensive security arrangements across Delhi prompted criticism from AAP leaders, who questioned the restrictions imposed on protesters and commuters ahead of the gathering.

AAP MLA Gopal Rai alleged that the authorities had shut metro stations and cancelled trains to protect Kumar. Speaking to reporters, Rai said the Centre had effectively turned Delhi into a cantonment through its security deployment. He argued that the use of force would not suppress the movement and accused the government of responding to demands for accountability with restrictions rather than addressing the allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner. His remarks reflected the party’s criticism of the measures introduced ahead of the demonstration.

AAP Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj also criticised the police deployment, saying protesters wanted to raise their concerns peacefully. In a video message, he argued that the presence of large numbers of security personnel was creating an atmosphere of fear. Bharadwaj said young people should be engaged in dialogue rather than silenced through force. He also referred to the Constitution and non-violence, maintaining that peaceful expression should be respected even when protesters raise contentious political issues.

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The CJP is scheduled to hold its demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, seeking Kumar’s resignation over what it describes as “vote theft”. The allegations concern the preparation of electoral rolls, while the planned protest has led authorities to introduce security restrictions across the capital. The claims against Kumar remain allegations raised by the protesters and their political supporters. The report did not include a response from the Chief Election Commissioner to the accusations cited by AAP leaders.

As part of the security arrangements, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation closed 45 metro stations from 9 pm on Friday until 6 pm on Saturday, according to an advisory. The restrictions were introduced for security reasons ahead of the planned demonstration. The wider arrangements have also included the cancellation of train services, according to AAP leaders, who criticised the impact on public movement. The closures have added to concerns about the disruption faced by commuters during the protest period.

On Friday, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced that he and his family would attend the CJP demonstration and urged young people to join the protest. His statement came a day before the scheduled gathering, as opposition leaders continued to criticise the government’s response. With police detentions, transport restrictions and a significant security presence shaping the run-up to the event, the demonstration has become a focus of political confrontation over electoral processes, protest rights and the handling of public dissent in the national capital.

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