ACLED’s database records rallies across 16 states and the national capital, each drawing more than 100 participants.
The Congress party and its Students’ Federation of India wing appeared in 36 of the demonstrations, the highest representation among all groups.
Women’s safety grievances punctuated the protests: after a campus rape at Lovely Professional University, LPU students marched; Lady Shri Ram College students rallied over a 17‑year‑old’s assault; and CJP supporters in Mumbai demanded stricter laws.
September 28 marked the most active day, with 20 rallies – roughly one‑third of the total – spurring a heightened police presence.
Following a quiet period, activity spiked again between October 2 and 4 with 26 rallies, before falling to only three on October 5. Ahead of the October 10 Jantar Mantar protest, Delhi officials have shut liquor shops and restricted metro stations to curb potential clashes.
Mira, a 19‑year‑old LPU student, told reporters she felt the campus was unsafe after the alleged rape, underscoring the personal stakes behind the demonstrations.
The next major gathering is slated for October 10 at Jantar Mantar, where authorities plan to enforce strict crowd controls.