Kejriwal Criticizes Police Detentions as 'Worse Than Emergency'
Arvind Kejriwal condemns the detention of protesters in Delhi, calling it a sign of dictatorship under PM Modi.
Kejriwal labels police actions against protesters as 'worse than the emergency'.
The AAP accuses the BJP of imposing a 'black emergency' to protect the Chief Election Commissioner.
Heavy police presence and metro station closures aimed at suppressing protests at Jantar Mantar.
On October 10, 2026, Arvind Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government for the detention of numerous protesters heading to Jantar Mantar. He described the police's actions as 'worse than the emergency,' reflecting a deep concern over the state of democracy in India.
The protests, organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and various youth organizations, aimed to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to allegations of electoral fraud. Kejriwal took to social media to express his outrage, stating that the current regime under PM Modi resembles an absolute dictatorship, highlighting the government's fear of dissent.
In a statement, AAP MLA Gopal Rai emphasized that the central government has declared a 'black emergency' to shield Kumar, accusing authorities of turning Delhi into a militarized zone. He asserted that despite the heavy-handed tactics, the movement for democratic rights would not be silenced.
The AAP's Delhi unit president, Saurabh Bharadwaj, remarked that the protesters are seeking to voice their concerns peacefully. However, he criticized the extensive police deployment as creating an atmosphere of intimidation. Bharadwaj urged the government to engage with the youth rather than suppress them, asserting that the AAP stands for non-violence and constitutional rights.
As tensions escalated, the Delhi Metro closed 45 stations and canceled train services in anticipation of the protests, which further fueled public discontent. The situation remains fluid as the CJP prepares to demonstrate against perceived electoral injustices, with the AAP vowing to continue its fight for democratic principles.
