Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Kharge Accuses Modi Government of Muzzling Democracy Amid Detentions
Mallikarjun Kharge, who leads the Congress party, criticized the government after protesters were detained in Delhi.
He said people who question the government are being detained and that democracy is being weakened.
More than 500 protesters were detained while trying to reach Jantar Mantar.
They wanted to hold a demonstration called by the Cockroach Janta Party.
The party raised concerns about changes to voter lists and voter registration forms.
Delhi Police said it would not allow the demonstration at Jantar Mantar because of security and procedural concerns.
Police also watched the area closely, including with drones.
Kharge said Congress and its opposition partners would keep fighting for democratic rights.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of turning the “mother of democracy” into a “muzzled democracy.”
Kharge said young people, students, lawyers, journalists, activists, farm union leaders and online creators were being detained for questioning the government.
Delhi Police detained more than 500 protesters attempting to reach Jantar Mantar for a proposed demonstration against the Chief Election Commissioner.
The Cockroach Janta Party called the protest over allegations of voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision and changes involving Form 6.
Delhi Police denied permission for the demonstration, citing security considerations and procedural requirements, and used drones to monitor movement.
- Who
- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Delhi Police, and protesters seeking to attend a demonstration called by the Cockroach Janta Party.
- What
- Police detained more than 500 protesters trying to reach Jantar Mantar; Kharge criticized the detentions and government restrictions.
- When
- Saturday, October 10; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- The New Delhi area, including the route toward Jantar Mantar.
- Why
- The proposed protest concerned allegations of voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision and changes involving Form 6; police cited security considerations and procedural requirements for denying permission.
Kharge and opposition
Delhi Police and government position
Detentions and democratic rights
Kharge and opposition
Kharge said detentions and other forms of force cannot deter people, and accused the government of muzzling democracy.
Delhi Police and government position
Delhi Police maintained restrictions around the proposed demonstration and denied permission, citing security considerations and procedural requirements.
Proposed demonstration
Kharge and opposition
The Cockroach Janta Party called a demonstration over allegations of voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision and changes involving Form 6.
Delhi Police and government position
Police did not permit the demonstration at Jantar Mantar and said the decision was based on security and procedural considerations.
- Congress president
- Mallikarjun Kharge
- Protest site
- Jantar Mantar
- Protesters detained
- More than 500, according to the report
- Protest organizer
- Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)
- Stated protest issue
- Allegations of voter-list manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision and changes relating to Form 6
- Police explanation
- Security considerations and procedural requirements
- Police monitoring
- Drones were used to monitor people attempting to reach the protest site