Mamata, Kejriwal and 7,000 protesters released; CJP leaders still in detention
Delhi Police released over 7,000 protesters, including several former chief ministers, following a crackdown on demonstrations against the chief election commissioner. However, leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party remain in custody.
Why it matters
Reflects significant political tension in India regarding electoral integrity and the state's use of detention against opposition figures.
NEW DELHI: Delhi Police have released over 7,000 protesters detained across the capital on Saturday, including four former chief ministers. However, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders will remain in custody as due legal process is followed, news agency ANI reported, citing police sources.The detentions came amid a massive security clampdown to prevent a planned protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged vote theft.Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal and former Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar were among the opposition leaders detained while attempting to join the protest. All four have since been released.Mamata, who was released from detention in Delhi, referred to the President's remarks on the need for evidence to investigate the allegations.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in