Protest against ‘fascist’ Modi regime for shrinking democratic space in Delhi
New Delhi: Several Indian political parties and progressive organisations came together at a joint sit-in protest at the iconic Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, raising alarm over the systematic erosion of democratic rights and the increasing restrictions on peaceful public assembly in the Indian capital.
According to Kashmir Media Service, organised by the Delhi Committee of CPI (ML) New Democracy, the protest saw participation from a wide range of democratic, civil society, and workers’ organisations.
Protesters condemned the growing clampdown on dissent, accusing the Narendra Modi government of enforcing an undeclared emergency and turning Delhi into a “no-protest” zone.
Addressing the gathering, CPI (ML) New Democracy’s Delhi spokesperson Comrade Mrigank said, “The country is witnessing conditions worse than the Emergency. The fascist government has captured all democratic institutions and is trying to silence every voice of opposition.”
Speakers from various organisations expressed concern over the denial of basic rights such as freedom of expression and the right to protest. They pointed out that even Jantar Mantar, officially designated as a protest site, has now been turned into a barricaded, heavily monitored space with stringent rules.
Permanent prohibitory orders under Section 144 are in force throughout the New Delhi district, severely curtailing democratic mobilisations near government offices, Parliament, and state bhavans. Protesters also flagged that industrial areas and workplaces are being brought under similar restrictive regimes, where protest permissions are frequently denied.
During the protest, a joint memorandum addressed to Delhi’s Chief Minister, with copies sent to the Delhi Police Commissioner and the Indian Home Minister, was dispatched through police officials. The memorandum demanded the lifting of permanent Section 144 orders in Central Delhi and restoration of the right to protest with simple prior intimation.
Concluding the protest, Comrade Mrigank announced that if no positive response is received from the government or police, a coordinated and intensified protest campaign will be launched.
