The Anti-CEC protest escalates as CJP leaders face detention, Delhi tightens security, and voter deletion allegations reach the Supreme Court.

The Anti-CEC protest intensified in New Delhi on October 13, 2026, as police detained Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders attempting to enter Jantar Mantar and sought an extension of security deployments amid concerns over further demonstrations. The developments follow an opposition-led march to the Supreme Court challenging alleged voter deletions and irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, as reported by The Hindu.

These developments have come after an opposition-led rally to the Supreme Court regarding the deletion of voters and irregularities in the SIR carried out by the Election Commission, as per The Hindu.

Why Were CJP Leaders Detained?

Delhi Police detained CJP leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde on Tuesday while they were attempting to enter Jantar Mantar. The action came a day after authorities withdrew the site’s designated status for protests and announced three alternative locations for demonstrations. CJP co-convener Saurav Das had criticised the decision as unacceptable and arbitrary.

What Is the Supreme Court Hearing About?

The Supreme Court was scheduled to hear pleas challenging the closure of several Delhi Metro stations amid protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstrations concern alleged irregularities in the Election Commission of India’s functioning and voter deletions during the SIR exercise. The allegations remain subject to judicial consideration.

Why Has Delhi Police Requested More Forces?

Delhi Police has sought an extension of the deployment of 273 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the capital until October 20. According to sources, the request cited the possibility of demonstrations by CJP and other organisations. The extension was sought to maintain public order and prepare for potential unrest.

What Happened During the Opposition’s March?

The opposition leaders belonging to the INDIA faction on October 12th proceeded to file a common petition against the charges of deletion of voters and electoral irregularities in the Supreme Court. The notable personalities who attended this event included Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mallikarjun Kharge, Akhilesh Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav. The police barriers prevented the march from proceeding further towards the Supreme Court.

Why Did Rahul Gandhi and Kharge Attract Attention?

Kharge made attention by wearing a Batman mask during the march, which is an indication of a recurring theme involving superheroes in political campaigns conducted by Congress. Previously, posters referred to Rahul Gandhi as a living Batman, while Gandhi himself responded jokingly to queries from social media regarding the fictitious hero. On the other hand, the Supreme Court registry pointed out over 10 flaws in the petition filed by Gandhi among others on October 12, The Hindu reported. The recent events have once again put the Anti-CEC protest in the spotlight of Indian politics, as reported by The Times of India.

Thus, Business Fortune believes that the Anti-CEC protest highlights growing tensions over electoral transparency, voter rights, and the Election Commission’s accountability amid ongoing judicial scrutiny.

Sources: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/anti-cec-protest-congress-chief-kharge-dons-batman-mask-during-march-to-supreme-court/articleshow/134895189.cms  https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/anti-cec-protests-against-gyanesh-kumar-cjp-october-12-2026-live-updates/article71573601.ece