Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on October 10 criticised the extensive security restrictions imposed in Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar. Calling the measures regressive and repressive, he cited heavy police deployment, barricades, metro station closures, train cancellations and internet suspension. Tharoor argued that citizens should be allowed to peacefully question the integrity of elections and demanded the release of detained protesters. He used the term “Emer-GenZ” to criticise the crackdown, warning that restricting dissent could deepen public suspicion about the Election Commission and undermine democratic freedoms.

Tushar Gandhi, great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, was detained by Mumbai Police on October 10, 2026, while travelling to a planned protest at August Kranti Maidan in support of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) demonstration in Delhi. Gandhi, who heads the civil society organisation Hum Bharat Ke Log, was detained in Bandra along with associates and taken to DN Nagar police station. The protest aimed to oppose alleged electoral irregularities and demand Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Gandhi claimed on social media that he had been arrested, but police maintained that he was detained, not formally arrested.

Several advocates, including senior and women lawyers, were detained by Delhi Police and central forces while protesting near the Supreme Court in Delhi on October 10, 2026. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) approached Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, expressing concern over the reported use of excessive police force. It urged the CJI to ensure the detained lawyers’ safety, access to legal assistance and release wherever detention lacked lawful grounds. The incident occurred amid heightened security ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged electoral irregularities.

YouTuber Dhruv Rathee was detained by police at his Gurugram residence on October 10, 2026, ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The demonstration sought the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Police reportedly urged Rathee not to travel to Delhi because the protest lacked permission. CJP condemned his detention and demanded his immediate release. Authorities tightened security across the capital, detaining other activists and restricting access to protest areas.  

US President Donald Trump’s agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import Russian diesel has sparked criticism over Washington’s double standards towards India. After imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods and threatening additional levies against countries purchasing Russian energy, Trump has now approved Russian diesel supplies to the US to address soaring fuel prices. The deal comes amid energy market disruptions caused by the US-Iran conflict and ahead of America’s November midterm elections. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the agreement, arguing that Russian energy revenues could prolong the war. Critics say the move weakens US credibility on sanctions. (PC: India Today)

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk intensified his criticism of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani over delays in launching Starlink satellite internet services in India. In a sarcastic post on X, Musk addressed Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani,” alleging that powerful business interests were restricting competition. He argued that Starlink could improve internet access for underserved communities, helping students access education and small businesses reach global markets. The Indian government rejected claims of preferential treatment, citing pending regulatory and security requirements. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia maintained that India would not allow monopolies in the satellite communications sector.

Delhi Police detained Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on October 10, 2026, ahead of their planned protest at Jantar Mantar. The demonstration seeks Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Delhi witnessed extensive security arrangements, barricading and restrictions on public transport ahead of the protest. Police also detained other demonstrators attempting to reach the venue. The detentions intensified tensions surrounding the protest and raised concerns about the right to peaceful assembly.

Gujarat Police detained several activists and placed others under house arrest ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on October 10, 2026. The demonstration demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities. Activists alleged that police pressured them to sign undertakings promising not to travel to Delhi. Among those affected was Students’ Federation of India leader and Gujarat High Court advocate Satyesha Leuva. The Gujarat High Court Advocates’ Association supported her and questioned the police action. Meanwhile, Western Railway cancelled the Swarna Jayanti Rajdhani Express, citing operational reasons. 

YouTuber and political commentator Dhruv Rathee was detained by Delhi Police at his residence in Gurugram’s Sector 56 on October 10, 2026, ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) planned protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The demonstration aims to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions. The detention came amid heightened security measures, police barricading and restrictions across Delhi-NCR. Authorities had denied permission for the protest, citing public safety and law-and-order concerns. Around 200 protesters were reportedly detained as police sought to prevent the demonstration from proceeding. (PC: X)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activist Abhijeet Dipke vowed to continue the October 10 protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, declaring he was prepared to go to jail. He demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Dipke claimed that more than 13 crore votes had been deleted, allegedly threatening citizens’ voting rights. He criticised heightened security measures and restrictions imposed ahead of the demonstration. Despite the denial of police permission, CJP leaders urged supporters to participate peacefully, insisting their movement aimed to protect democracy and ensure free and fair elections. (PC: ANI)