Kiren Bedi Critiques Jantar Mantar as Protest Venue Due to Safety Concerns
Kiren Bedi argues that Jantar Mantar is unsuitable for protests due to narrow alleys and nearby sensitive buildings.
New Delhi, October 13 (Daily Kiran) : Former IPS officer and Puducherry’s ex-Lieutenant Governor Kiren Bedi stated on Tuesday that Jantar Mantar is not a suitable location for protests. She cited narrow alleys and the proximity of sensitive buildings and government offices as significant concerns. Bedi emphasized the need for a clear security and operational plan when protests are permitted at Ram Lila Maidan.
In a post on social media platform X, Bedi reflected on how designated protest locations in Delhi have evolved over the decades. She noted, “During my tenure in policing in Delhi, I witnessed the changing venues for protests, from the Prime Minister‘s residence and Three Moorti Marg (then Mrs. Gandhi’s residence) to the streets of Lutyens’ Delhi in the early 1970s, followed by India Gate, Boat Club, and eventually Jantar Mantar in the 1980s.”
Bedi asserted, “Every city requires an open space for democratic expression, often referred to as protests, but the arrangements for such spaces are frequently overlooked. Urban planners must take
She pointed out that, aside from well-known commercial areas like Connaught Place, the administration made a mistake in maintaining Jantar Mantar as a protest site for so long. The consequences are now evident. The Ministry of Home Affairs has identified Ram Lila Maidan and other locations for protests, suggesting that perhaps judicial intervention was necessary for this change. Bedi called for a comprehensive security and operational plan for Ram Lila Maidan, which should be communicated upon approval.
Her comments followed a directive from the Delhi Police on Monday, which removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites and identified three alternative locations. Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar announced on October 11 that Ram Lila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground would serve as new venues for protests.
Jantar Mantar is located in central Delhi, just under a kilometer from the Parliament House. In contrast, Burari Ground is approximately 23 kilometers away in North Delhi, while CBD Ground in Shahdara is about 12 kilometers distant. Ram Lila Maidan is roughly three kilometers from Jantar Mantar. The government’s decision has faced criticism from opposition parties and the Cockroach Public Party (CJP).
