Delhi CJP protest: What Jantar Mantar 2.0 ‘shutdown’ may cost the public? Inside ‘ ₹91-crore’ bill

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced on Sunday that he and all Congress MLAs will travel to Delhi to protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. Shivakumar claims that one crore voters have been removed from the state's electoral lists without proper verification. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Shivakumar stated that he has instructed Congress MLAs to be in Delhi to defend voters' rights.

The Congress party plans to organize its own campaign instead of joining a protest organized by other groups, emphasizing they do not intend to mobilize a large crowd. In his statement, Shivakumar criticized the restrictions imposed on the protest, including the internet shutdown and the detention of individuals at airports, raising concerns about democratic freedoms.

He questioned the validity of the authorities' actions and urged the Prime Minister to address whether the country is experiencing democracy or an emergency. Shivakumar warned that incidents involving restrictions on protests could harm India's international reputation as a leading democracy. He emphasized that protesters have the right to express their opinions and that those in power should be prepared to face public criticism instead of preventing people from speaking out.

Shivakumar also highlighted that the Congress party's plans differ from those of the protest organizers, stating that the party did not seek consultation before deciding to protest. The Congress party will protest in its own way, he affirmed, and does not intend to interfere with the protesters' plans.