The Delhi protest at Jantar Mantar on Friday witnessed a moment reminiscent of model Rhea Ahir during NEET agitation earlier this year. As protesters gathered, a woman was captured blocking a bus, refusing to let it pass until the detained protesters inside were released. Social media quickly compared the episode to Rhiya Ahir's similar act of resistance during the Mumbai protest a few months ago.
Within moments, social media users were asking whether Delhi had found its own "Rhiya Ahir moment". However, a section also called it nothing but a "publicity stunt".
The Friday protest came as a part of the demands of opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party and Congress, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of alleged irregularities in the SIR of electoral process.
During the student protest in Mumbai, Model Rhiya Ahir’s picture blocking a police vehicle went viral. Ahir sought the withdrawal of the FIR filed against her and demanded action against those who were issuing threats to her on social media.
How did social media users react?
The netizens soon reacted to the incident, with some applauding her showing “girl power”, while others criticised her saying she wants to gain attention. A user said, “Trying to stop a moving police bus for the camera is not the flex people think it is.”
A second netizen said, “Copycat hain. Also Mumbai rains helped Riya Ahir's drama look aesthetic. This one looks disinterested and lazy.” A third commented, “By the way it's a tourist bus not a police vehicle.” A fourth user added, “She is fighting against dictators.”
The Jantar Mantar Protest
As the agitation intensifies, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced plans to return to Delhi's Jantar Mantar for a fresh protest on October 10 if Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar doesn't resign. This comes a day after thousands took to Mumbai's iconic Shivaji Park for protesting against the CEC despite police denying permission, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke indicated plans to escalate its agitation.
The CJP, which spearheaded a massive month-long agitation at Jantar Mantar just months ago over exam paper leaks, forcing Dharmendra Pradhan to quit as Education Minister, has sought Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.