Mahua Moitra Questions Internet Shutdown Amid Protest Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Mahua Moitra Slams Mobile Internet Shutdown in Delhi Ahead of Jantar Mantar Protest

New Delhi, October 2: Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra criticised the government on Friday over the suspension of mobile internet services in and around Connaught Place amid heightened security ahead of a planned protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

In a post on X, Moitra wrote: “An illegal Prime Minister ruling over an illegal Home Ministry that thrusts illegalities down citizens’ throats. Time to go Modi, Shah & Gyanesh. Batti bandh.” Her remarks were directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

The comments came after the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) reported that mobile internet services had been suspended in parts of central Delhi. According to the IFF, some Jio subscribers received a message at around 9:40 am saying that internet services had been stopped on government instructions “till further notice.” 

The IFF said it had not located a published suspension order at the time of its statement and was seeking details regarding the authority that ordered the shutdown, the reasons cited and the area covered. 

However, subsequent reports said telecom operators had been directed to suspend internet services around Jantar Mantar for 12 hours, from 9 am to 9 pm, covering the protest site and an area within roughly a 1.5-kilometre radius. 

The internet restrictions came alongside heightened security measures in central Delhi. Delhi Police had denied permission for the protest, while 11 Metro stations had their entry and exit gates closed as authorities prepared for the demonstration. 

More than 500 protesters, including AAP leaders and student activists, were detained as police moved to prevent the demonstration from proceeding at Jantar Mantar.