Police took CPI (M) leaders into custody, prevented protests, foil ‘Chalo Lok Bhavan’

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI (M)) and its affiliated unions planned the 'Chalo Lok Bhavan' program in Vijayawada on Saturday, October 10, 2026, to protest alleged irregularities in the State Industrial Relations (SIR) and support an agitation at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. However, the NTR Commissionerate Police intercepted the demonstration, alleging that the planned protests lacked permission under Section 30 of the Police Act, 1861.

Additional forces were deployed at the residences of CPI (M) leaders and at key crossings in Vijayawada as a preventive measure. CPI (M) State Secretary V. Srinivas, along with supporters, was arrested while attempting to organize a protest rally at the Lenin Centre. The police also took into custody CPI (M) leaders B. Venkateswara Rao and J. Venkateswara Rao in Tiruvuru and A. Konduru in NTR District. Additional security was also provided to the State office of the CPI (M) party.

Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI (M)) leader Ch. Babu Rao's house was also under police surveillance, as was the State office, while SFI State general secretary K. Prasanna Kumar was prevented from proceeding by the authorities. In Kesarapalli village in Krishna district, APCC President Y.S. Sharmila initiated a protest on the main road approaching Vijayawada; however, police prevented her from entering the city. Mild tension was observed at several locations, creating a concerning atmosphere in the region.