On 10 October 2026, the Cockroach Janata Party sought to hold a rally at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Authorities denied permission for the gathering. The denial came ahead of a planned demonstration that aimed to press a specific political demand, and the refusal to allow the protest proceeded despite the organizers’ intentions.
Following the denial of permission, the detention of thousands of protesters was reported. Among those arrested were several prominent opposition figures, specifically former Chief Ministers Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, Pinarayi Vijayan, and Manik Sarkar. The sweep also included a range of activists and ordinary citizens who had gathered to voice their concerns.
Sonam Wangchuk warns of a hunger strike or foot march if leaders detained ahead of the CJP protest aren’t released by Sunday.
Watching the mass arrests unfold, Sonam Wangchuk, known for his environmental activism, described the moment as an ‘undeclared emergency.’ Wangchuk expressed hope that the detained leaders would be released soon, while indicating that he would consider further action if they remained in custody.
Mamata Banerjee, one of the detained former chief ministers, publicly condemned the police action, stating plainly that "the government is mistreating us.
Wangchuk then announced that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike, which he referred to as an Anshan Fast, or launch a Padyatra march if the detained leaders and activists were not released by the deadline he set for 11 October 2026. Wangchuk said he would be compelled to consider an Anshan Fast or Padyatra March if they are not released by tomorrow.
Mamata Banerjee, one of the detained former chief ministers, publicly condemned the police action, stating plainly that "the government is mistreating us." She went on to pledge that the INDIA alliance would persist in its effort to raise the people's voice, indicating that the detention would not deter her political resolve.
The rally that had been banned was organized with a specific objective: to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Activists alleged that irregularities in the voter rolls compromised the integrity of elections, and they called for Kumar to step down as a remedy for what they described as systemic flaws in the electoral process.
Activist Neha Bora was among those detained.
While issuing his ultimatum, Wangchuk also said he hoped the detained leaders would be freed soon. He indicated that if they remained in custody beyond the deadline, he would be compelled to consider further steps, reinforcing that his hunger strike or march was contingent on the outcome of the detention.
This detail situates the coverage within a backdrop of a reporter who has spent several years in the field, observing and documenting developments as they occurred.
The episode has drawn criticism aimed at the central government for its handling of the protest and the ensuing detentions. Gyanesh Kumar, the election commissioner whose resignation was demanded, also faces criticism from the protesters. Mamata Banerjee’s supportive stance toward the cause is highlighted, while Sonam Wangchuk’s position is described as both neutral and supportive in different assessments, reflecting the complex ways his statements and actions are being interpreted.