Archive · 12 Oct 2026
CJP Calls Nationwide Stir as Delhi Police Crackdown Intensifies
People gathered in Delhi to demand that election chief Gyanesh Kumar resign.
They say they are worried about changes to voter lists and people’s voting rights.
Police stopped protesters from going to Jantar Mantar, so many gathered near Connaught Place instead.
More than 200 people were reportedly detained, and some protesters and journalists were also detained or hurt.
CPM MP John Brittas was taken to hospital after he was allegedly assaulted.
Protesters say police used too much force, while police also registered cases alleging that officers were assaulted.
The Cockroach Janta Party says it wants the protests to spread across India.
The Congress has also announced a nationwide protest for Monday.
More than 200 protesters were reportedly detained on Sunday as demonstrations demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation continued in central Delhi.
With Jantar Mantar inaccessible, demonstrators gathered around Connaught Place and were stopped from marching by police barricades and buses.
CPM MP John Brittas was allegedly assaulted during detention, collapsed near a police bus and was taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.
The Cockroach Janta Party said it would expand the agitation nationwide; its released leaders called on political parties to oppose the electoral-roll revision.
Delhi Police registered 20 FIRs over two days, including cases involving alleged assaults on police personnel; the Congress also announced a nationwide agitation for Monday.
- Who
- The Cockroach Janta Party, protesters, Delhi Police and others, including CPM MP John Brittas.
- What
- Protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation continued, with more than 200 people reportedly detained and CJP announcing a nationwide agitation.
- When
- Sunday, the second consecutive day of the police crackdown; the Congress announced a nationwide agitation for Monday.
- Where
- Connaught Place and other parts of central Delhi, after protesters were unable to gather at Jantar Mantar.
- Why
- Protesters are opposing the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and raising concerns about voting rights.
Protesters and CJP leaders
Police and security actions
Use of force during demonstrations
Protesters and CJP leaders
Protesters alleged excessive force, assaults and injuries, including the alleged assault of John Brittas and women demonstrators.
Police and security actions
Delhi Police registered cases that included allegations of assaults on police personnel; officers stopped marchers and maintained heavy security.
Restrictions on gathering
Protesters and CJP leaders
CJP leaders said protesters should have been allowed to assemble at a designated protest site and called for talks; they described restrictions and detentions as an Emergency-like situation.
Police and security actions
Jantar Mantar remained out of bounds, and police used barricades and detentions to prevent protesters from marching there.
- Reported detentions
- More than 200 protesters on Sunday
- Police cases
- Delhi Police registered 20 FIRs over two days
- Protest site
- Demonstrators gathered around Connaught Place while Jantar Mantar remained out of bounds
- John Brittas
- The CPM MP was detained, allegedly assaulted, and taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital
- CJP response
- The party said it would expand its agitation nationwide
- Congress
- Announced a nationwide agitation for Monday
- CJP leaders’ release
- Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were released subject to a one-year condition to maintain peace
