NGT order on protests at Jantar Mantar: An attempt by Maharaja to crush dissent, says AAP

New Delhi.AAP’s Delhi unit convenor Dilip Pandey, (Source: PTI Photo )

For the AAP, it all began as a protest at Jantar Mantar. Six years on, with the NGT banning protests at the site, AAP sought an urgent review of the order, expressing “suspicion” that the decision may have been politically motivated to move protests away from the seat of power. AAP spokesperson Dilip Pandey said, “We are a party that has its roots in protest. We believe in maintaining that protest… no one else needs to explain the importance of Jantar Mantar to us, or the importance of dissent in a healthy democracy.”

He said, “Jantar Mantar is not a densely populated residential area. The decision to shift protests to Ramlila Maidan, which is a densely populated area, doesn’t add up. It leads to suspicion that this is an effort of the Maharaja, who is attempting to stifle all voices of dissent.” The party has requested the Delhi government, police and the NDMC to review the matter.