EVM Protesters including Ex CM Digvijay Singh, Dr Udit Raj Arrested in Delhi

The protest, held at the Indian Youth Congress office on Raisina Road, came after the cancellation of permission by Delhi Police for a gathering at Jantar Mantar. Among those detained were Rajendra Pal Gautam, MLA and former Minister of Delhi Government, who was taken to the Indrapuri police station.

The protestors being taken away in a police bus.

New Delhi- Hundreds of protesters, including prominent figures like former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Digvijay Singh, Dr. Udit Raj, Ex MP and Convenor of EVM Hatao Morcha, were arrested today while peacefully demonstrating against the issue of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The demonstration, organized by EVM Hatao Morcha, saw the participation of various NGOs, social organizations, intellectuals, and citizens of the country.

The event aimed to address concerns over the functioning of EVMs and their impact on democracy. Protesters voiced their demand for 'Mera Vote Mere Hath - Meri Parchi Mere Hath' (My Vote, My Hand - My Ballot, My Hand), emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding democracy.

Speakers at the event, including Deepak Babaria, General Secretary of Congress, Arvinder Singh Lovely, President of Delhi Pradesh Congress, Dr. Udit Raj, and Rajendra Pal Gautam, highlighted issues such as corruption, inflation, unemployment, and the ongoing farmers' movement.

मुझे दो हफ़्ते पहले EVM हटाओ मोर्चा द्वारा २२/०२/२०२४ को #EVM से देश में २०२४ लोक सभा चुनाव ना कराने के मुद्दे को ले कर जंतर मंतर दिल्ली में शांति पूर्ण धरना देने का निमंत्रण प्राप्त हुआ था। जो मैंने स्वीकार किया।
-१ ⁦@INCIndia⁩ ⁦@RahulGandhi⁩ ⁦@deepakbabaria1⁩ pic.twitter.com/PIeVq6bMGd
— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) February 22, 2024

Sharing about his arrest , Rajya Sabha MP Digvijay Singh wrote on his twitter (X) handle, " Two weeks ago, I had received an invitation from EVM Hatao Morcha to hold a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar Delhi on February 22 that I accepted. But 2 days ago, the permission for peaceful protest was also cancelled. What is the reason why the central government under the leadership of Narendra Modi is so nervous? Thousands of people from all over the country were coming to participate in the protest, they got scared and cancelled the approval. Now this movement is reaching every village in the entire country #EVM_हटाओ_लोकतंत्र_बचाओ . Will Honorable #ECI and #SupremeCourt take this into consideration?"

मोदी जब जब डरता है,पुलिस को आगे करता है
दिल्ली पुलिस ईवीएम के विरोध में एकत्रित हुए हज़ारों प्रदर्शनकारियों को जंतर मंतर से गिरफ़्तार कर ली है। उनके साथ बुरा बर्ताव किया जा रहा है। मेरे साथ कांग्रेस नेता श्री दिग्विजय सिंह व अन्य सभी गिरफ़्तारी देने पहुँच रहे हैं।… pic.twitter.com/ogndFlZN26
— Dr. Udit Raj (@Dr_Uditraj) February 22, 2024

The protestors had sought permission to protest against EVM at Jantar Mantar but their request was refused by the Delhi Police. Thousands of people were chased away by the cops and hundreds were detained and arrested. A large crowd gathered at the Youth Congress office at the alternative site. Sharing details of the incident, Dr Udit Raj posted on his X handle, "Digvijay Singh and hundreds of my colleagues, including me, have been arrested from the Youth Congress office while protesting peacefully against EVMs and we have been kept at the Parliament police station"

The Modi government's decision to restrict protests is viewed as an attempt to silence dissent and prevent scrutiny of electoral processes. Critics argue that the government is using the pretext of maintaining law and order to suppress opposition voices.

Despite the arrests and restrictions, protesters vowed to continue their movement in the future. Plans for upcoming demonstrations will be announced soon, reflecting a steadfast commitment to uphold democratic values and fight for electoral transparency.