Kejriwal Stopped and Detained Near Lodhi Estate as Opposition Leaders Swept Up in Delhi Crackdown on CJP Protest
Delhi Police on Saturday, October 10, 2026, detained Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal outside Lodhi Estate as opposition leaders tried to join the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The detention is the latest in a day of widening crackdowns on the protest.
Note: Wipidia could not open the Indian Express live blog linked in the request, so this story draws on Business Today, Uttar Banga Sambad, Times Kerala and earlier coverage of the protest.
What happened
- Kejriwal detained: According to Business Today, the former Delhi chief minister was detained outside Lodhi Estate while heading toward the protest. He was stopped before reaching the venue.
- Mamata Banerjee detained earlier: Police had earlier detained Mamata Banerjee, described by Business Today as the former West Bengal chief minister, along with several Trinamool Congress MPs including Derek O'Brien and Dola Sen. Reports say she remained defiant and vowed to continue the fight.
- AAP's claim: After Kejriwal's detention, AAP posted a video that it said showed Delhi Police personnel beating a protester. The video has not been independently verified here.
- Clashes: Uttar Banga Sambad reported that at least six police personnel were injured in clashes with protesters in the Hanuman Lane area. Police have not been cited in the reports reviewed as confirming a full account.
Background to the protest
The CJP, led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, called the Jantar Mantar demonstration to demand the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and a halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging manipulation of voter lists, including changes relating to Form 6 used for voter registration. The Election Commission has rejected the allegations, saying the revision removes duplicate and ineligible voters.
Delhi Police had refused permission for the rally, citing late notice and earlier violations. Authorities deployed more than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel, barricaded roads to Jantar Mantar, and curbed metro and train services. Dipke and two other CJP leaders were reported detained on landing at IGI Airport earlier in the day.
Why it matters
The detentions of Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee show opposition parties joining a protest that began as a youth-led movement, turning it into a wider political confrontation over the Election Commission's conduct. Critics of the crackdown say it curbs peaceful dissent, while police cite security and procedural reasons.
Quick Facts
| Who | Arvind Kejriwal, AAP convenor and former Delhi chief minister |
| Where | Outside Lodhi Estate, New Delhi |
| When | Saturday, October 10, 2026 |
| Protest | CJP demonstration at Jantar Mantar against CEC Gyanesh Kumar |
| Also detained | Mamata Banerjee and TMC MPs including Derek O'Brien and Dola Sen; CJP leaders at the airport |
| Reported clashes | At least six police personnel injured near Hanuman Lane (Uttar Banga Sambad) |
| AAP allegation | Video said to show police beating a protester (unverified) |
| Election Commission position | Rejects allegations; says SIR removes duplicate and ineligible voters |
This is a developing story based on reports as of October 10, 2026, and may be updated.