Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar Slams Detention of CJP Protesters in Delhi, Calls It an Insult to Democracy
Shivakumar questions restrictions on peaceful protests and vows to fight alleged voter deletions under the Special Intensive Revision
Bengaluru (Fikrokhabar News): Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has criticised the detention of protesters and leaders in Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) planned demonstration, describing the developments as an embarrassment for India and questioning whether democracy or an Emergency like situation prevailed in the country.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Shivakumar called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to explain the restrictions imposed on protesters and the detention of political leaders and activists. He said citizens have the right to protest peacefully and raise their concerns without being silenced.
Shivakumar urged the authorities to allow protesters to meet representatives of the Election Commission and other leaders to present their grievances.
The remarks followed extensive security measures in Delhi on October 10, when police detained more than 7,000 people, including CJP leader Abhijit Dipke and YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, ahead of a planned gathering at Jantar Mantar. The demonstration sought the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Clarifying the Congress party’s position, Shivakumar said the CJP organisers had not consulted the party before announcing the protest. He added that Congress would pursue its own course of action while respecting the right of other groups to demonstrate.
Shivakumar said Congress legislators had been asked to reach Delhi and that he would also travel to the national capital to raise concerns about voters’ rights.
He alleged that voter deletions under the SIR process were affecting Karnataka as well. He further claimed that Dalits, minorities and backward classes were being targeted through the removal of names from electoral rolls. These allegations remain contested, and the Election Commission maintains that the revision exercise is intended to improve the accuracy of voter lists.
The Chief Minister said Congress would continue to oppose wrongful voter deletions and work to ensure that every eligible citizen retains the right to vote.