Congress leader Balmoor Venkat has opposed the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site, linking the move to what he described as a wider attempt to restrict public dissent and citizens' voting rights.
Speaking in Hyderabad, Telangana, Venkat alleged that the BJP and the Election Commission of India were trying to deprive common people of their right to vote. The allegation was made while discussing the change involving the Delhi protest venue.
Venkat also referred to Rahul Gandhi, describing him as the Leader of the Opposition and saying he has repeatedly raised the matter while campaigning against it in Delhi.
What Balmoor Venkat said
Venkat argued that citizens in a free country must be able to protest and speak about their grievances. He said the arrangement allowing demonstrations at Jantar Mantar had existed for a long time.
He further alleged that the BJP was acting out of fear and seeking to silence criticism by removing Jantar Mantar as a place where protests could be held. These remarks represent the Congress leader's political assessment of the decision.
The change has also featured in recent reporting about alternative locations for demonstrations, including Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground. That background does not establish Venkat's allegations, but it places the dispute within a broader discussion about where public protests may take place.
The issue has additionally prompted legal and political attention in recent reporting. A plea concerning the change was reported as potentially coming before the Supreme Court, while reports also referred to criticism from activists and other political figures. Those developments are separate from Venkat's comments and do not resolve the allegations he raised.
For citizens, the central question is whether the change affects access to a recognised venue for expressing grievances. Venkat's statement presents the decision as a challenge to both the right to protest and the right to vote, while calling attention to Rahul Gandhi's continuing opposition to the issue.
Conclusion
Balmoor Venkat has criticised Jantar Mantar's de-notification and alleged that the BJP and the Election Commission of India are suppressing public voices and weakening citizens' voting rights. He said Rahul Gandhi continues to raise the matter in Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who criticised the de-notification of Jantar Mantar?
Congress leader Balmoor Venkat criticised the decision while speaking in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Q. What did Balmoor Venkat allege?
He alleged that the BJP and the Election Commission of India were attempting to take away common people's right to vote and suppress public voices.
Q. What did he say about Rahul Gandhi?
Venkat said Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, has consistently raised the issue and fought against it in Delhi.
Q. Why did Venkat defend protests at Jantar Mantar?
He said people in a free country have the right to protest and discuss their grievances, adding that demonstrations at Jantar Mantar had long been allowed.
Q. Which other protest locations have featured in recent reporting?
Recent reporting has mentioned Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in connection with alternative protest locations.
