Published Oct 10, 2026 | 9:07 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 10, 2026 | 7:34 PM
Students being whisked away to detention centres in Delhi on Saturday. (@SFI_CEC/X)
Abhijeet Dipke and his fellow Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders being picked up from the plane they arrived on. Protesters being detained from trains. Former Keralam Chief Minister and senior CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan being driven around Delhi after his detention.
The scenes witnessed in “Fortress Delhi” on Saturday, the day the CJP announced protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, were unprecedented.
Later in the day, Abhijeet Dipke lost his paternal grandmother. While Delhi Police reportedly communicated the news, the CJP said they haven’t even heard from Dipke.
With over 26,000 armed personnel and a sea of barricades, Delhi is seeing its biggest lockdown since Covid.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had earlier slammed the detentions, claiming, “Modi has accepted defeat even before our protest has begun.”
AAP founder Arvind Kejriwal described the situation in a post as “worse than the Emergency”.
“It’s official… we are living under an absolute dictatorship ruled by Modi. Arresting cockroaches straight off their flight shows an unprecedented level of fear. PM Modi clearly knows he only won the election through vote chori (theft) and now he is hell-bent on protecting his fraud by completely crushing democracy. Gyanesh must go, but so must Modi,” Kejriwal posted.
Live coverage:
Activist, innovator and educationist Sonam Wangchuk has threatened to take out a padayatra or hunger strike if the detained protesters are not released by Sunday, 11 October. He added that India was now under an undeclared Emergency.
"Yesterday, when I posted a message appealing for unity & peace in today's protest, I had never imagined that the biggest democracy in the world would be under an undeclared EMERGENCY.
I was happy there were so many leaders to lead the movement, but I now learn that they have all been arrested. I hope those arrested will be released soon. I will be compelled to consider an Anshan Fast or Padyatra March if they are not released by tomorrow [sic]," he posted on X.
Keralam Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan accused the Narendra Modi government of cracking down on democratic protests and detaining journalists covering the agitation.
“Delhi is witnessing the Modi government’s ruthless crackdown on democracy. Protesters are being detained, and even journalists covering the agitation are being picked up, while the government evades questions on electoral integrity,” he said.
He added that the BJP could not evade questions on electoral integrity or silence those demanding accountability through state repression.
“No repression can extinguish our resolve to defend the Constitution and the right to vote,” Pinarayi said.
Pinarayi, who was detained around 10:30 am, was released after eight hours in custody.
“I’ve been fighting Narendra Modi and the RSS for over a decade now. I understand them like you understand your opponent—inside out, like the back of my hand. The core characteristic of these people is cowardice,” Rahul said in a video posted on X.
“Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Mohan Bhagwat, Gyanesh Kumar and Ajit Doval, the villains of this story, are slowly finding the space closing around them. We are closing that space. Mr Modi, do whatever you want. Call out all the police: 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, whatever (numbers) you want,” he continued. [Full report]
Barricades will not restore faith in the Election Commission, Lok Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said, adding that the poll panel must answer the public’s questions to restore calm.
In a post on X, the Thiruvananthapuram MP termed the situation in Delhi “utterly shameful and unconscionable”.
“Barricades will do nothing to restore faith in the Election Commission; the sooner it answers the public’s questions, the sooner it will restore calm. The strength of a democracy is measured by how it treats those who question its working, and by that measure, what we have seen today is utterly shameful and unconscionable,” he tweeted. [Full report]
AISA Karnataka has condemned the detention of protesters opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The organisation alleged that police barricaded roads, detained and manhandled protesters near the Election Commission office. It questioned the Congress government’s commitment to democratic rights and demanded the release of detainees and the removal of barricades. “How is the Congress different from the BJP?” AISA asked.
CPI(M) leader and MP John Brittas alleged that he, Comrade Pinarayi Vijayan and Balagopal were kept in police custody inside a Bolero jeep on the streets of Delhi past 1:30 PM. Brittas questioned the Delhi Police for keeping them on the move for hours without explaining where they were being taken or why. He also raised concerns about the police’s treatment of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, citing his health issues and need for timely medication.
Mamata Banerjee and five Trinamool Congress MPs — Derek O’Brien, Dola Sen, Pratima Mondal, Samirul Islam and Saket Gokhale — were reportedly taken away in a Delhi Police prisoner van amid protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The TMC alleged that they were driven around for 30 minutes without being taken to a known destination and called the incident an assault on democratic rights.
Cockroach Janta Party condemned the Delhi Police for forcibly breaching the sacred premises of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Connaught Place and allegedly dragging away and detaining dozens of peaceful volunteers who had sought shelter inside.
"This heavy-handed action followed the earlier abduction and unaccounted detention of Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke, co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka, and spokesperson Saurav Das."
The release further said: "The crackdown intensified across central Delhi after police barricaded access to Jantar Mantar, forcing student groups and supporters to seek refuge at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Police personnel entered the sacred gurudwara compound, manhandling demonstrators and hauling them off to makeshift detention centres."
The detention of "cockroaches" from their flight at the Delhi airport showed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scared, Delhi's former chief minister and AAP leader Aravind Kejriwal said on Saturday, 10 October.
Earlier in the day, he said the situation is "worse than Emergency". He was referring to the security clampdown in Central Delhi to thwart the CJP protest.
Reacting to reports that Abhijeet Dipke was informed about the death of his paternal grandmother, CJP claimed that no one from Dipke’s family or CJP's lawyers has been informed about his whereabouts.
They wrote on X: "We are stunned by the heartless Delhi Police playing such petty politics around the personal tragedy that Abhijeet Dipke and his family have suffered."
"No one from Abhijeet Dipke’s family or CJP lawyers have been informed about his whereabouts."
They further expressed concern about the safety of the three CJP leaders.
"Instead of leaking such information to the press, Delhi Police should allow Abhijeet’s family and lawyers to speak with him and release him IMMEDIATELY. It is appalling that Modi-Shah are treating the country’s youth with such contempt."
We are stunned by the heartless Delhi Police playing such petty politics around the personal tragedy that @abhijeet_dipke and his family has suffered.
No one from Abhijeet Dipke’s family or CJP lawyers have been informed about his whereabouts.
We remain extremely concerned about the safety of the three CJP leaders. Instead of leaking such information to the press, Delhi Police should allow Abhijeet’s family and lawyers to speak with him and release him IMMEDIATELY.
It is appalling that Modi-Shah are treating the country’s youth with such contempt.
— Cockroach Janta Party - CJP (@Cockroachisback) October 10, 2026
CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke loses grandmother on the day Delhi Police detain him on flight
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CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke loses grandmother on the day Delhi Police detain him on flight
AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal MP on Saturday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s attempts to shield Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar would pave the way for their downfall.
Accusing the Prime Minister of fearing opposition protests, Venugopal said the closure of metro stations in Delhi to prevent protesters from mobilising reflected the government’s apprehension.
He said the INDIA alliance’s fight to protect people’s right to vote would continue.
The alliance had recently conveyed its concerns over the issue to the President and would organise a massive protest in Delhi on Monday, he said.
Venugopal added that the alliance also planned to meet the Chief Justice of India.
The Congress and the INDIA alliance would continue their agitation until the democratic electoral process and system were made flawless, he said.
CJP legal team head Ratna Singh, who was detained by Delhi Police earlier in the day, has moved the Delhi High Court, seeking an FIR against the police for "illegally detaining" her.
According to LiveLaw, the plea states that earlier on Saturday, while Singh was proceeding towards the Supreme Court with two fellow advocates to be part of a protest of lawyers, she was not permitted to move from outside her house. It adds that two cars blocked her, and policemen remained outside the car doors. Singh has said that video of the incident may be seen by the Court. Singh has said that she is being wrongfully confined and restrained and is facing a threat to her life and liberty.
LiveLaw reported that after the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) urgently wrote to the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, about several advocates being detained and taken to Yamuna Sports Complex for peacefully protesting outside the Supreme Court, the CJI has communicated to the authorities that the lawyers be released.
After the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) urgently wrote to the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, about several advocates being detained and taken to Yamuna Sports Complex for peacefully protesting outside the Supreme Court, the CJI has communicated to the authorities that the lawyers be released.
Read more: https://t.co/frJUrp2U78
#SupremeCourt #CJISuryaKant #BarAssociation #SCBA #CJISuryaKant #Advocates #delhiprotest #delhipolice— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) October 10, 2026
According to news agency PTI, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal detained during protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
VIDEO | Delhi: AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal detained during protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available on PTI Videos - ptivideos - https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) https://t.co/pwiC8Tup30
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 10, 2026
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other TMC MPs were detained by Delhi Police as they sat on a dharna at a bus stand in Delhi's South Avenue.
SUPER EMERGENCY IS GOING ON - @MamataOfficial
While our Hon’ble Chairperson along with our Hon’ble MPs were peacefully protesting, Delhi Police came and instructed that no slogans and no posters were allowed.
WHY?
Then, they unlawfully forced our Chairperson and our MPs into a police van and are now taking them to an undisclosed location.
WHY?
@narendramodi WHAT ARE YOU SO SCARED OF?
Have you simply forgotten that India is a democratic country and every single person has the right to protest?
#SaveDemocracy
— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) October 10, 2026
Several CPI(M) leaders, including MA Baby, MV Govindan Master, KK Shailaja, EP Jayarajan and Brinda Karat, were held inside a police bus in Delhi. The incident comes amid protests in the national capital over electoral reforms and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
TN anti-CEC protests: Alleged skull fracture; Udhayanidhi, Kanimozhi slam CM Vijay
Read the full story here:
TN anti-CEC protests: Alleged skull fracture; Udhayanidhi, Kanimozhi slam CM Vijay
‘Koi media nahin hai’: Even journalists covering CJP protest not spared by Delhi Police
Read the full story here:
‘Koi media nahin hai’: Even journalists covering CJP protest not spared by Delhi Police
AISA president Neha Bora and other student activists have been detained at the Safdarjung Airport flyover by Delhi Police, as they were marching from Delhi Haat to Jantar Mantar.
🚨🚨 AISA President Neha and others were stopped at Safdarjung airport flyover and are being detained.
Modi-Shah cannot cage our resistance!
We shall fight, we shall win!
CEC Gyanesh Kumar must resign!#jantarmantar #eci #protest #cpiml #nehabora https://t.co/mmX9fkO8Hs
— CPIML Liberation (@cpimlliberation) October 10, 2026
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, in a pre-recorded video anticipating detention by the police, asked people to follow CJP's organisation in-charge, Ajinkya Shinde, if they were arrested.
"Hello everyone, if you are seeing this video, it means that Saurav, Ashutosh and I have been arrested. After us, this movement will be led by Ajinkya. Anyone seeing this video, please follow Ajinkya Shinde; he will be carrying forward the Cockroach Janta Party after Ashutosh, me and Saurav."
IMPORTANT
Until Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka are in detention, CJP’s Organization In-Charge Ajinkya Shinde will lead this protest at Jantar Mantar.
Abhijeet had pre-recorded this video last night in anticipation of a potential arrest. @AjinkyaCJP https://t.co/WSQ69mKfTV
— Cockroach Janta Party - CJP (@Cockroachisback) October 10, 2026
Tushar Gandhi, great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, has been detained by the Mumbai Police as he was heading to the August Kranti Maidan for a protest in support of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Sharing the update, he wrote on X: "Arrested brought to DN Nagar. Lok Shahi Zindabad!"
Arrested brought to DN Nagar. Lok Shahi Zindabad!
— Tushar Gandhi (@TusharG) October 10, 2026
However, later he announced that, despite his arrest, "the August Kranti Maidan Protest continues. Chalo August Kranti Maidan!"
Even though i have been arrested the August Kranti Maidan Protest continues. Chalo August Kranti Maidan!
— Tushar Gandhi (@TusharG) October 10, 2026
Delhi Police and CRPF personnel detained a group of lawyers near the Supreme Court in New Delhi as they marched in protest against the CEC and the SIR.
The protesters were detained after marching for around 100 yards and bundled into a bus to be taken to an undisclosed location.
Even while in detention, the lawyers continued their protest, raising slogans against the CEC and the SIR.
An AISF student was injured in a clash with police in Chennai while students were marching towards the Tamil Nadu Secretariat to demand Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and oppose the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin strongly condemned the arrest of youths who staged a peaceful protest in Chennai’s Besant Nagar, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
In a statement, he accused the TVK government of unleashing police repression against the protesters and questioned Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay over the arrests.
He further accused the Chief Minister of acting as a subordinate of the Union government, alleging that the arrests demonstrated the state government's reluctance to allow young people to exercise their democratic right to protest.
Udhayanidhi demanded the immediate release of the detained youths, stating that suppressing the voices of young people seeking to protect democracy was unacceptable.
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M), in a statement, strongly condemned the widespread repression unleashed by the Delhi Police on peaceful protesters in different parts of New Delhi on Saturday, who were demanding the resignation of the CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Rollback of the SIR that has led to large-scale disenfranchisement and other electoral reforms.
"Braving the virtual curfew imposed in the city, with internet shutdowns, closed metro stations, and all other means of transport stopped and all other repressive and suppressive measures, people have come out on the streets to protest."
The release also noted that many top-ranking leaders of the CPI(M), including General Secretary M.A. Baby, PB Member and leader of the Opposition in Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan, veteran leader Brinda Karat, Polit Bureau Members M.V. Govindan, Vijayaraghavan and Central Committee Members including K K Shailaja, P K Sreemathi, Thomas Issac, K N Balagopal, P. Rajeev, John Brittas etc were arrested when they protested at Jantar Mantar.
"Another batch of Polit Bureau members including B.V. Raghavulu, Arun Kumar, Vijoo Krishnan, Mariam Dhawale and Central Committee members A.R. Sindhu, Lokanadhan and others were arrested near Minto Road, when they tried to march from the Harkishan Singh Surjeet Bhawan at Indrajit Gupta Road. Veteran leader Manik Sarkar was also one of those arrested."
It is obvious that the Narendra Modi government has been rattled by the widespread protests. It is equally obvious that these repressive measures will fail to deter the people out on the streets. These protests were carried out despite intense police surveillance and their presence in large numbers in front of our offices in Delhi. In its obsession to exhibit power and strength the BJP government has shown extreme cowardice and the complete inability to conduct democratic governance."
Following the detentions of Cockroach Janta Party leaders, the CJP, in a press release, urged the youth and every citizen of the country to step up and lead this movement on the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
"When the state uses mass detentions to silence democratic dissent, the public must take charge to save democracy. The core demand remains unchanged: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar must tender his resignation immediately."
"Despite heavy barricading, internet suspensions, and sweeping detentions across the National Capital Region, the Cockroach Janta Party maintains a firm stand. The party emphasises that the nationwide protest demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will go forward with or without its leadership," the release added.
In a massive crackdown ahead of the planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar, Delhi Police personnel boarded an incoming flight to detain Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke alongside co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. Co-convenor Saurav Das added that authorities were attempting to stall a constitutional movement through brute force.
Over a thousand party volunteers, activists, and peaceful citizens have been rounded up across borders, transit hubs, and surrounding streets, with authorities converting local stadiums into temporary detention centers.
Protests were held across Tamil Nadu on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In Chennai, members of AISF and AIYF took out a march towards the Tamil Nadu Secretariat via Sivananda Salai. Police stopped the protesters near the MLA hostel and detained them.
Students alleged that one of the protesters sustained a serious head injury, claiming that his skull was fractured during the police action.
A protest organised by various public organisations in Vijayawada, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, led to tensions between protesters and police.
According to reports, police intervened during the demonstration, with allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards protesters, including women.
Former DGP A. B. Venkateswara Rao also participated in the protest. Reports indicated that Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) instructed personnel not to approach him.
Several students and Left party leaders were arrested during the agitation. PCC president Y. S. Sharmila was reportedly placed under house arrest to prevent her from attending the protest.
CPM state secretary Srinivasa Rao, former Union Minister J. D. Seelam, and leaders and activists from the Congress and CPM were among those who participated in the demonstration.
Hundreds of protesters were reportedly detained and taken to various police stations. Further details regarding the arrests and the police response were not immediately available.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to X to condemn the arrest of CJP leaders and said the current situation is worse than the Emergency.
He added: It’s official.. we are living under an absolute dictatorship ruled by Modi. Arresting cockroaches straight off their flight shows an unprecedented level of fear.
PM Modi clearly knows he only won the election through vote chori and now he is hell-bent on protecting his fraud by completely crushing democracy.
Gyanesh must go, but so must Modi.
This is worse than the Emergency.
It’s official.. we are living under an absolute dictatorship ruled by Modi. Arresting cockroaches straight off their flight shows an unprecedented level of fear.
PM Modi clearly knows he only won the election through vote chori and now he is hell-bent on protecting his fraud by completely crushing democracy.
Gyanesh must go, but so must Modi.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 10, 2026
Further, the AAP on it's handle posted that there has been heavy police deployment at Kejriwal's residence.
कैसा घबराया साहिब, बात-बात पर डरता है।
आम आदमी पार्टी के राष्ट्रीय संयोजक अरविंद केजरीवाल जी के घर के बाहर भारी पुलिस बल की तैनाती की गई है। https://t.co/h05Va58h8N
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) October 10, 2026
CPI(M) Tamil Nadu state secretary P. Shanmugam has announced protests at district headquarters across Tamil Nadu, condemning the arrests of political leaders and protesters in Delhi ahead of a demonstration demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
In a statement, Shanmugam alleged that Delhi Police and paramilitary forces had unleashed severe repression, preventing students and protesters from assembling and arresting them at various locations. He also alleged that Communist Party offices had been surrounded by central security forces and Delhi Police.
According to Shanmugam, CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby, CPI general secretary D. Raja, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, U. Vasuki, CPI(M) Tamil Nadu secretary P. Shanmugam, Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas and CPI(ML) leaders were among those arrested while heading to the protest.
He further alleged that the detained leaders were being driven around in police vehicles for more than an hour following their arrests.
Condemning the arrests, Shanmugam said the CPI(M) would organise protests at district headquarters across Tamil Nadu.
CJP’s policy lead, Mehr, has been detained by the Delhi Police Special Cell.
In the video released, she says, "When asked for a reason, they say it is a law-and-order situation."
Later it was seen in the video that the police were asking her to stop recording the video.
CJP’s Policy Lead, @mehrpasr someone who returned to India after studying from Harvard University so she could serve her country, has been detained by the Delhi Police.
@narendramodi India’s youth don’t deserve to be treated like this, we don’t deserve your dictatorship! https://t.co/Bn4iGdpL4Y
— Cockroach Janta Party - CJP (@Cockroachisback) October 10, 2026
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained by Delhi Police shortly after landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on October 10.
"This is something not even Indira Gandhi had done. This is dictatorship when Delhi Police has entered the flight and is trying to arrest us," Abhijeet Dipke said, as police detained him.
The detentions came ahead of the party’s planned protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Delhi Police had denied permission for the demonstration amid heightened security arrangements across the national capital.
Around 50 CJP members were detained by police in Chennai’s Besant Nagar on Saturday while attempting to stage a protest demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protesters are being held at a nearby marriage hall, with others demanding their immediate release.
Protesters also alleged that badminton player Sandeep George, who was standing at the spot, was mistakenly detained. They said he was scheduled to play in a badminton final today and accused the police of refusing to release him despite their requests.
DMK president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condemned the police action against protesters in Delhi and Tamil Nadu, comparing the scenes in the national capital to the Emergency, which he said he had lived through.
In a statement, Stalin demanded the immediate release of political leaders, students and young protesters detained in Delhi and across the country. He also criticised the TVK government in Tamil Nadu, accusing it of acting as an extension of the BJP and unleashing police repression against protesting students.
Calling on the Union government to end its action against peaceful protesters, Stalin said dissent was not a crime and that democracy could not survive by silencing those exercising their democratic right to protest.
He also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, describing it as non-negotiable. Stalin further called for the reversal of what he termed damage to the Election Commission’s institutional framework and demanded the restoration of its independence and integrity.
Leader of the Opposition, Keralam Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday accused the Union Government of attempting to stifle the people’s voice after Delhi Police detained CPI(M) leaders and supporters ahead of a protest against the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
CPI(M) leaders and supporters were taken into custody while preparing to march from Kerala House to the protest venue.
Condemning the police action, Pinarayi said it reflected the government’s growing fear of public agitation.
“This is a challenge to democracy. They are attempting to stifle the voice of the people. However, the voice of the people will rise even louder. There is an attempt to turn the country into a police state. None of this can suppress the people’s agitation. More and more people are becoming part of it. The government has already started to fear; this is a reflection of that,” he said.
Delhi Police have entered the plane in which Abhijeet Dipke was travelling and arrested him and his fellow CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on arrival. "How did you get into the flight?" Dipke asked the officers before heading off, raising slogans of 'Inquilab Zindabad'.
The CJP had held back through the morning.
Sources had said it would wait for its key leaders, Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, whose flight landed in Delhi at around 10.45 am. The police entered the plane to take them into preventive custody on arrival.
Sources indicated the CJP had aimed to gather near Jantar Mantar around 11.30 am.
On the ground, the shutdown had cut its cadre off. A CJP zonal coordinator told South First they had received no message so far and were waiting for a call. With the internet down, they were unsure how to reach the venue.
🚨 ABHIJEET DIPKE, SAURAV DAS AND ASHUTOSH RANKA DETAINED FROM INSIDE THEIR FLIGHT 🚨
Shame on you @narendramodi @AmitShah https://t.co/hXl6bzh53i
— Cockroach Janta Party - CJP (@Cockroachisback) October 10, 2026
"A total gathering of more than four people is not allowed," a Delhi Police officer tells CPM Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, adding, "Please, sir. Hear me. Any type of march is not allowed. If you are participating in any type of march, that is a problem," the officer went on to say before detaining Pinarayi, Brittas and Balagopal.
The interaction took place as MP John Brittas, along with former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and former Kerala finance minister KN Balagopal tried to reach Jantar Mantar.
They, however, proceeded towards the media point with slogans of "Down, down police raj. Down, down fascism."
CJP legal team head Ratna Singh has been detained along with three other lawyers.
According to the CJP press release, the police have kept her in a car surrounded by more than 25 police men without revealing any grounds for detention.
CJP’s legal affairs head Ratna Singh detained! https://t.co/eCFWPZxYXg
— Cockroach Janta Party - CJP (@Cockroachisback) October 10, 2026
CPI (M) General Secretary MA Baby, and leaders Brinda Karat and K.K Shailaja were detained by the Delhi police as they attempted to reach Jantar Mantar.
Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is among the CPI (M) leaders who are in Delhi.
While many CPM leaders who were with him were detained by police, Pinarayi, John Brittas and former Kerala finance minister KN Balagopal alone were allowed to march ahead after a standoff with the cops. They proceeded with slogans of "Down, down police raj. Down, down fascism."
"Gyanesh Kumar, step down. See, Amit Shah, we are heading to Jantar Mantar," they said, approaching the barricades blocking Jantar Mantar from Kerala House.
"This is a murder of democracy," Pinarayi said. "What is this? Why is the government doing all this? Is this a democracy? Or a police state? There must be respect for democracy. Gyanesh Kumar must resign. Democracy must be restored. All supporters of democracy will unite behind this, and this protest will only grow."
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh took to X, to criticise the presence of armed security personnel all over the place.
He wrote: The PM-HM duo is extremely nervous and rattled by a peaceful protest by youth deeply concerned with the planned stealing of their Constitutional right to vote guaranteed by Article 326.
There is incontrovertible evidence that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar faithfully executed the orders given to him by the destructive duo when he was appointed.
The nation’s capital has been turned into a fortress. Armed security personnel are all over the place.
The PM-HM duo is extremely nervous and rattled by a peaceful protest by youth deeply concerned with the planned stealing of their Constitutional right to vote guaranteed by Article 326.
There is incontrovertible evidence that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar faithfully executed the orders given to him by the destructive duo when he was appointed. In Dec 2023, a law giving him lifelong immunity was bulldozed through Parliament when 145 Opposition MPs had been suspended.
The resignation of the CEC, who has lied to the Supreme Court itself, has become a moral imperative. But it is only the first step to reclaim the very foundations of our democracy, which is so very essential for fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of all people, especially the youth.
The suspension of the SIR that has already disenfranchised nearly 14 crore Indians is essential to restore public faith and trust in our election system.
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) October 10, 2026
The CJP released a set of guidelines ahead of the protest march.
They include:
1. Maintain peace at all times. Do not engage in violence, physical confrontations, threats or intimidation, irrespective of provocation.
2. Do not damage public or private property. Vandalism, stone-pelting, arson and destruction of barricades can endanger lives and undermine the purpose of the protest.
3. Do not obstruct emergency services. Keep access clear for ambulances, fire engines and other emergency vehicles. Do not block hospital entrances or emergency routes.
4. Do not carry weapons or dangerous objects. Avoid carrying sticks, stones, inflammable substances or anything that could be used to injure someone.
5. Do not threaten or abuse anyone. Avoid communal slurs, hate speech, threats and personal attacks against officials, police personnel, journalists or members of the public.
6. Do not force your way through barricades. Follow lawful directions, respect designated boundaries and do not attempt to enter restricted areas.
7. Beware of provocation and infiltration. Do not judge people by their political affiliation or appearance. If anyone encourages violence, vandalism or unlawful activity, do not participate. Inform a designated CJP coordinator and, where safe, the police.
8. Verify before sharing. Do not circulate unverified claims, misleading videos, rumours or messages designed to incite panic or hostility.
9. Record incidents responsibly. If safe and lawful, document relevant incidents without interfering with police duties, obstructing others or putting yourself at risk. Do not publish unverified allegations against individuals.
10. Protect fellow protesters. If tensions rise, move away from the confrontation, alert a coordinator and help vulnerable people reach safety. Never put yourself in danger to confront a suspected provocateur.
11. Know your emergency contacts. Stay with your group, agree on a meeting point and carry essential identification, necessary medicines and a charged phone.
12. Follow lawful instructions and know your rights. Remain calm during police interactions. Do not resist physically. If detained, ask for the reason and seek legal assistance.
Hours before anyone reached Jantar Mantar on Saturday, October 10, Fortress Delhi was already under its biggest lockdown since COVID.
Read the full article here:
Cockroach Janta Party protest: New Delhi sealed even before the first slogan
Popular YouTuber and political commentator Dhruv Rathee has reportedly been detained.
Posting the update, the CJP claimed: "The Dictator is TERRIFIED of young people who question its wrongdoings and refuse to stay silent!"
Dhruv Rathee has been detained.
The Dictator is TERRIFIED of young people who question its wrongdoings and refuse to stay silent!
— Cockroach Janta Party - CJP (@Cockroachisback) October 10, 2026
Multiple reports say Delhi Police detained protesters who gathered at Jantar Mantar, on Sansad Marg, and near Hotel Le Méridien, for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest.
#WATCH | Delhi: Police detain a few students and protesters who had reached near Hotel Le Méridien ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest today. https://t.co/qFyLtXPfjT
— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2026
According to a LiveLaw report, a contempt petition has been filed in the Supreme Court alleging that authorities continued to shut down Delhi Metro stations and restrict public transport services in violation of the Court's October 9 order, which directed that there should be no complete prohibition on transport services to handle the October 10 protests announced by the CJP and opposition parties against the Chief Election Commissioner.
As the developments unfold in Delhi, we have an alert that over 70 lakh voters maybe excluded from the final rolls in Telangana.
Roughly four in every five electors who received notices during Telangana's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) have been cleared for the final electoral roll, according to the latest status report issued by the Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office on Friday, 9 October.
Of the 92,88,187 notices generated for electors with discrepancies in their records or no mapping to the 2002 rolls, 92,23,486 have been delivered.
Officials have held 82,11,205 hearings and a total of 74,62,851 electors have been found eligible for final publication. Decisions on 18,12,367 electors are pending.
So far, 73,39,235 electors have been placed in the Absent, Shifted, Duplicate and Death (ASDD) category.
Telangana's voter strength had touched the 3.35-crore mark early this year.
Amid speculation of tensions rising in Delhi, Delhi Police personnel deployed for security are set to use body cameras on their uniform.
Speaking with ANI, a police personnel said, "These body cams are to protect us and others. In situations of manhandling, allegations are levelled against Delhi Police. So, these body cams will prove whether we did anything to anyone or not. This will record everything."
#WATCH | Delhi Police personnel use body cameras on their uniform as they are deployed for security ahead of the CJP protest today. These body cameras work even in the dark.
A Police personnel says, "These body cams are to protect us and others. In situations of manhandling, allegations are levelled against Delhi Police. So, these body cams will prove whether we did anything to anyone or not. This will record eveything..."
— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2026
Responding to the police excess, and reported overnight detentions of over 1,000 people in Delhi, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed, "Modi has accepted defeat even before our protest has begun."
He further wrote on X: The mass crackdown on protesters and the shutdown of Delhi are not signs of strength, but of a leader terrified of his own people.
Modi has accepted defeat even before our protest has begun.
The mass crackdown on protesters and the shutdown of Delhi are not signs of strength, but of a leader terrified of his own people.
— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) October 10, 2026
According to Indian Express report, at least 1000 people were detained overnight in the capital ahead of the protest. As of 12:30 AM on Saturday, around 250 of these detainees were from Delhi’s South East district, particularly from areas around Shaheen Bagh, which was the centre of the anti-CAA protests of 2020, a police source told The Indian Express. More than 100 are from the Shahdara and East Delhi district, which border Uttar Pradesh, another Delhi Police official said.
