Mumbai CJP Protest Booked Over Lack Of Permission, NHRC Scrutiny And Jantar Mantar Row

Tensions intensified at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on the second day of protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Members of left-wing student groups and civil society activists breached barricades after permission for the demonstration was denied, resulting in clashes with law enforcement. Delhi Police deployed paramilitary personnel in anti-riot gear and barricaded access roads leading to the venue. Multiple demonstrators, including student leaders, were detained from the site and moved into buses. Opposition groups continue to demand the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner amid the ongoing row.

The Indian Air Force is hosting the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti in Rajasthan, bringing together air forces from Australia, the US, the UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, alongside over 30 observer nations.

The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of minors participating in the October 2 protest in Mumbai, seeking a probe into allegations that children were used as shields. The rights panel issued notices asking Mumbai Police to investigate the role of minors and examine the organizers of the stir. Authorities have been directed to inspect images, videos, and group chat records, while tech platforms were asked to preserve digital evidence. A report has been sought within a week to fix responsibility and offer counseling if needed.

Congress has appointed former Olympian and Jalandhar Cantonment MLA Pargat Singh as the new president of its Punjab unit, replacing Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Pargat Singh expressed gratitude to party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and K. C. Venugopal, promising constructive and positive politics focused on real issues. Outgoing chief Raja Warring stated that he was not asked to resign by Rahul Gandhi but suggested that Punjab in-charge Sachin Pilot may have sought changes following internal feedback. The transition prompted criticism from political opponents. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann claimed Congress has fewer ground workers and more leaders aspiring to become Chief Minister. Punjab BJP Chief Kewal Dhillon also stated that infighting within the party will persist over the chief ministerial post. Congress's strategic plan reportedly focuses on Jat Sikh voter outreach, bringing rival factions together, farmer engagement, and strengthening ground organisation against the Aam Aadmi Party government.