Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal Detained During Delhi Protest Over Election Commissioner
By : Sheikh Mohammad Isa
Delhi witnessed heightened security and political tension on October 10, 2026, as several opposition leaders, including former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, were reportedly detained by the Delhi Police. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The detentions took place as police moved to stop a major protest planned near Jantar Mantar. Opposition parties and activists wanted to raise concerns about alleged irregularities in the electoral process and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Why Were Opposition Leaders Protesting in Delhi?
The protest was organised by opposition groups, including the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), according to the supplied report. The demonstrators called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of electoral irregularities.
They also raised concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a process used to review and update voter lists.
The Delhi Police had reportedly refused permission for the demonstration near Jantar Mantar. Officials cited security concerns and procedural requirements, including the failure to provide the required 10 days’ notice.
Despite the restrictions, thousands of activists, students and political leaders attempted to march towards the protest site. Police responded by setting up barricades and deploying security personnel at several locations across the capital.
Mamata Banerjee Detained Alongside TMC Leaders
Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee was reportedly detained in the South Avenue area of New Delhi.
Senior TMC leaders Derek O’Brien and Dola Sen were also among those detained.
According to the supplied report, Banerjee was seen with a symbolic bandage over her mouth as a protest against what she described as restrictions on democratic expression.
The incident drew attention to the opposition’s concerns about the right to protest and express political views.
Arvind Kejriwal Detained Outside His Residence
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal was reportedly detained outside his residence while attempting to lead a march towards Jantar Mantar.
Police intercepted Kejriwal and other party members before they could proceed towards the protest venue.
Kejriwal criticised the authorities’ response, accusing the central government of trying to turn India into a police state. He said the opposition would continue its struggle to protect the Constitution and voting rights.
Pinarayi Vijayan and Left Leaders Also Detained
Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was among the other prominent opposition figures reportedly detained during the demonstrations.
Senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders M.A. Baby and Brinda Karat were also named in the report.
The leaders were reportedly stopped in central Delhi and taken to a designated detention facility at Chhatrasal Stadium.
Activist Yogendra Yadav and lawyer Prashant Bhushan were also reportedly detained following separate marches in the city.
The reported detentions brought together political leaders and civil society figures who were seeking to raise concerns about the electoral process.
Opposition Criticises Police Action
Opposition leaders strongly criticised the reported detentions, arguing that the restrictions prevented them from raising important democratic concerns.
Some leaders compared the police action with crackdowns seen during the Emergency period in India. They maintained that the right to peaceful protest and the protection of voting rights were central to their demands.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, defended the security measures, according to the supplied report.
BJP leaders argued that organisers had attempted to hold a demonstration without the necessary permission. They also accused the opposition of risking disruption in the national capital.
The opposing statements reflected the political disagreement over the protest, the allegations concerning voter lists and the authorities’ decision to restrict the gathering.
Heavy Security Disrupts Traffic Across Delhi
The protest and police response reportedly caused disruption in several parts of New Delhi.
Police deployed barricades, surveillance drones and additional personnel to prevent demonstrators from reaching restricted areas. Security arrangements were also tightened at major transport points.
Traffic restrictions affected movement across parts of the capital, while several metro stations in central areas were reportedly closed. Authorities also tightened security at entry points connecting Delhi with neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
Police maintained a strong presence around key locations to prevent further demonstrations and manage crowds.
What Happens Next?
The reported detentions have raised fresh questions about the opposition’s campaign over electoral rolls and the restrictions placed on demonstrations in the national capital.
Opposition parties are demanding accountability over alleged electoral irregularities, while the authorities have cited security and procedural concerns to justify restrictions on the planned protest.
Further developments are likely to depend on the opposition’s next steps and any official statements from the Delhi Police and the Election Commission of India.
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