Key facts
- Jantar Mantar, a historic protest site in Delhi, has been closed to demonstrations by police.
- The move follows a large protest by the Cockroach Janta Party that led to the education minister's resignation.
- Critics argue the new sites are unaffordable and too distant from the seat of power.
- Jantar Mantar has been a site for protests since 1993.
Jantar Mantar, a historic protest site in Delhi, will no longer be available for demonstrations, according to Delhi Police. The decision comes after a large protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanding the resignation of federal education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who subsequently resigned. Police then barricaded the site, and a recent attempt by CJP supporters to protest there was met with a crackdown.
Critics argue that directing protesters to alternative sites, some far from parliament and others requiring significant fees, will make it difficult for ordinary Indians to voice their concerns. Historically, Jantar Mantar has been a central location for various movements, including those by farmers, students, and ex-soldiers, offering a platform when other avenues were closed.
The site, located near parliament, has been used for protests since 1993, following a shift from the Boat Club lawns. Historians note that its proximity to government institutions facilitated media coverage and engagement with politicians. However, in recent years, restrictions on overnight stays and the overall move away from the site signal a potential end to its role as an accessible hub for public dissent.