The former Delhi chief minister criticised the Centre earlier in the day over the heavy security restrictions imposed in central Delhi ahead of the demonstration. He described the security clampdown as “worse than Emergency” and condemned the detention of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) senior leaders. Kejriwal’s detention came amid heightened security across the national capital ahead of the planned protest. The demonstrators want Gyanesh Kumar to resign over allegations of “vote theft”.

AAP Leaders Condemn Kejriwal’s Detention

Senior AAP leader Atishi condemned the police action against Kejriwal. She questioned the Centre’s handling of the protest and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using arrests to protect the Chief Election Commissioner. In a post on X, Atishi said, “Three-time Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal brutally taken into custody by Delhi Police, for demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Modi Ji: how many people will you put behind bars to save Gyanesh Kumar?” The AAP leader’s remarks came as opposition figures criticised the security arrangements and the detention of CJP leaders ahead of the demonstration.

Kejriwal Had Urged Young People to Join the Protest

On Friday, Kejriwal announced that he and his family would attend the protest at Jantar Mantar. He also appealed to young people to participate in the demonstration. The protest aims to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of “vote theft”. The allegations have become a major point of contention between the protesting group and the authorities. However, police detained several CJP leaders on Saturday morning before the demonstration could take place as planned.

Kejriwal Says Modi Is “Scared” After CJP Leaders’ Detention

Following the detention of CJP leaders on Saturday morning, Kejriwal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of fearing the protest. Referring to the detention of CJP members aboard a flight, he said the action showed that the Prime Minister was “scared”. The detention of Kejriwal added to the political tensions surrounding the planned gathering at Jantar Mantar. The protest was organised to press for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, while opposition leaders continued to challenge the security restrictions imposed across central Delhi.

Correct the party name and abbreviationClarify the protest group’s identity