Protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar took place in Mumbai and Delhi on October 2, but the police response was very different. In Mumbai, thousands gathered near Shivaji Park without a major confrontation with police. In Delhi, police stopped protesters from reaching Jantar Mantar and detained hundreds of people. The protests were linked to demands for Kumar’s resignation and concerns over electoral roll revision.Key HighlightsMumbai saw a large protest despite police denying permission.Delhi Police detained more than 500 protesters, with reports putting the figure above 700.Mumbai Police used a large security deployment but avoided a direct confrontation.The protests focused on allegations linked to voter rolls and the Election Commission.Why Mumbai Police Took a Different ApproachThe Mumbai police ECI protests saw a more restrained police response. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) had been denied permission to hold the protest at Shivaji Park.However, thousands of people still reached the area on October 2. Police did not use force to clear the gathering. Around 1,000 to 1,500 police personnel were deployed to manage the crowd and traffic.Police kept protesters outside the main Shivaji Park ground. The gathering continued on the nearby road and remained peaceful.The Maharashtra government also appeared to favour a non-confrontational approach. Reports said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave the police freedom to handle the situation while ensuring that the protest remained peaceful.Delhi Police Used Stronger MeasuresThe situation was different in Delhi. Police had denied permission for the protest at Jantar Mantar and imposed restrictions in the New Delhi area.Barricades were placed around key roads. Extra police forces were deployed. Several protesters were detained before they could reach the protest site.According to the Indian Express, more than 700 people were detained during the protest. AAP leaders, student groups and civil society members were among those detained.Delhi Police later registered three FIRs over attempts to hold the demonstration. The cases included allegations of disobeying official orders and obstructing public servants.What Is the Protest About?The protests are aimed at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protesters are demanding his resignation.The issue gained attention after reports about differences between election commissioners over decisions linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.The Election Commission has rejected claims of a major internal dispute. It has said important decisions, including those related to SIR, were taken unanimously by the full commission.Different Strategies in Two CitiesThe two responses show different approaches by the police and state authorities.In Mumbai, police focused on crowd management and preventing protesters from entering the main ground. The gathering was allowed to continue without a major clash.In Delhi, authorities took stronger steps before and during the protest. The Jantar Mantar area was sealed, protesters were detained and FIRs were later registered.The different responses have now become part of the wider political debate around the protests and the Election Commission.“The government has decided not to use police force to thwart protests.”The protests and the debate over the Election Commission are expected to continue as opposition parties and civil groups raise questions about electoral roll revision and the functioning of the poll body.Also Read : Delhi Police Keeps Section 163 in Force Across New Delhi, No Permission for Protests Today
