Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 12: Opposition leaders on Monday expressed strong displeasure over the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, calling the decision arbitrary and asserting that the government cannot decide where people can raise their voices in a democracy.

They said the government could change the designated protest venue but could not suppress public anger.

Speaking to reporters, Congress MP Manish Tewari said the Opposition wanted to submit a representation to the Supreme Court and would collectively proceed to Barakhamba Road.

“We want to submit a representation to the Honourable Supreme Court. Therefore, the entire Opposition is collectively going to Barakhamba Road. Let's see where it goes from here,” he said.

Tewari said protests and demonstrations traditionally took place at Boat Club, where people gathered to express their grievances. “You may change the designated venues for demonstrations, but you cannot reduce people's anger,” he added.

All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba questioned who had decided to discontinue protests at Jantar Mantar and argued that such restrictions were contrary to democratic principles.

“How can they end it, and who has decided this? In a democracy, who decides when something will begin or end, where people can go and where they cannot? Democracy will decide this,” she said.

“The entire land of India is free for people to raise their voices against injustice and oppression. Our Constitution has given us this freedom. The entire country remains firm on the demand for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, and it will happen,” Lamba added.

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit sarcastically suggested that the government should ask the Opposition to hold its protest outside India if it did not want demonstrations in the national capital.

“I would urge the government not to hold it here either. They should find a place outside the country, because according to them, we are not even citizens of this country. So, they should find a place in Bangladesh, China, or somewhere else and go there to hold it. Why go to such lengths here?” he said.

Congress leader and Haryana Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the decision to de-notify Jantar Mantar showed that the government was afraid of the Opposition's protest.

“They want to suppress the voice of the people,” he said.

Congress MP Imran Masood remarked, “Now, we will protest on the top of the Himalayas.”

Another Congress MP, Charanjit Singh Channi, said the government could eventually go to the extent of restricting people's entry into Delhi.

“They will gradually say you cannot come to Delhi, as if Delhi is their father's property,” he said.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said the Opposition would follow the party's decision, remarking, “Whatever the party says will happen.”

According to an earlier circular issued by the Delhi Police, Jantar Mantar has been de-notified as the designated protest site. The decision was taken based on recommendations made by a committee of the Union Home Ministry.

The official notification stated that three alternative locations in Delhi — Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi — had been designated for protests.