Former CMs Pinarayi and Mamata detained amid crackdown in Delhi
Former Bengal CM, detained near MPs’ flats, says she and her colleagues were treated like 'criminals’; Keralam’s ex-CM was picked up from Kerala House; his party MP John Brittas alleges that ‘basic civil liberties are being taken away’
Former Chief Ministers Pinarayi Vijayan and Mamata Banerjee were arrested during protests in Delhi on Saturday (October 10, 2026). Mr. Vijayan, a former Chief Minister of Kerala, was apprehended from Kerala House near Jantar Mantar. Ms. Banerjee, the former Chief Minister of West Bengal, was arrested from South Avenue bus stand, near parliamentarians' accommodations.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) leadership surprised the police by taking refuge at Kerala House, located adjacent to Jantar Mantar, a place deemed off-limits for protesters. Party leaders, including M.A. Baby, Brinda Karat, and John Brittas, marched towards Jantar Mantar, shouting slogans, and were promptly detained by the police.
Ms. Karat expressed her surprise at the police action on social media, stating, "Look Amit Shah, we have reached Jantar Mantar". The group was dispersed, resulting in Mr. Vijayan's transfer to Chattarasal Stadium, where detention was transformed into an academic forum discussing civic issues. Mr. Brittas, commenting on the incident, questioned the treatment of a former Chief Minister, alleging that it reflects the suppression of basic civil liberties in Delhi.
Ms. Banerjee, who sat in protest outside parliamentarians' flats, described her treatment as akin to that of "criminals" and former political prisoners. She vowed to continue her participation in anti-government demonstrations, vowing to march alongside other leaders to the Supreme Court.
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