Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Amit Thackeray joined hands on Sunday, October 11, to protest the detention of demonstrators who had gathered near Shivaji Park in Mumbai’s Dadar area in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Around 300 people were detained during the demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls.
The detentions included social activist Anjali Damania. The Thackeray cousins, accompanied by supporters, staged a sit-in near Shiv Sena Bhavan and outside Shivaji Park Police Station, demanding the release of those detained.
The protesters were subsequently released, while Mumbai Police said the process of registering first information reports (FIRs) was under way. Aaditya warned that the agitation would intensify if the authorities continued to prevent demonstrations, signalling that the dispute over electoral transparency and the handling of protests could extend beyond Mumbai.
Protest Escalates
The protest began as demonstrators gathered near Shivaji Park, a prominent public space in Dadar, to express solidarity with CJP’s campaign against alleged electoral irregularities and demand Kumar’s resignation. Police personnel were deployed in large numbers around the ground, with restrictions imposed to prevent protesters from assembling at the designated location.
According to reports, around 300 people were detained as police moved to disperse those gathering in the area. Among them was Damania, who had arrived to support the demonstration. She reportedly said that police personnel in plain clothes intercepted her and took her away without immediately informing her where she was being taken.
As the detentions continued, Amit Thackeray arrived at the site and questioned the police action. Aaditya Thackeray and his brother, Tejas Thackeray, subsequently joined the protest, bringing supporters of Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS together. The leaders staged sit-ins and raised slogans, demanding the release of the demonstrators. Aaditya accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra of suppressing peaceful dissent.
Calling the situation an “undeclared Emergency”, he warned that the agitation would continue until Kumar resigned. Amit also questioned the heavy police presence and the detention of people who had come to the public ground. The intervention by the Thackeray cousins helped secure the release of those detained, although the police indicated that legal proceedings arising from the gathering were still being considered.
The bjp is in such fear that even in Mumbai they’re detaining students who are protesting peacefully but fearlessly against a regime. The mumbai police, it seems, now is being made to take orders from the very top- the very top that is hiding behind barricades of the police force. Do let us know where all you are being taken. We are coming. Also we will stand by you legally.
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) October 11, 2026
Electoral Row Deepens
The Mumbai demonstration forms part of a wider series of protests against the Election Commission and the revision of electoral rolls. CJP and other groups have alleged that changes to voter lists risk excluding eligible voters and have called for Kumar’s resignation. These allegations have become a point of contention between opposition parties and the authorities, with questions surrounding the transparency and fairness of electoral processes featuring prominently in the campaign.
The Election Commission has denied wrongdoing and maintained that its procedures are intended to ensure the accuracy of electoral rolls. The protests have also drawn attention to the authorities’ response to public demonstrations. In Delhi, CJP leaders and other demonstrators were detained during protests on October 10, prompting fresh calls for their release and criticism of the restrictions imposed on gatherings. The developments subsequently spread to other cities, including Mumbai, where supporters sought to demonstrate solidarity with the campaign.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police said legal action would be taken against those assembling at Shivaji Park to protest without the required permission. A senior police official stated that the police were proceeding with action against the gathering, while Deputy Commissioner of Police Mahendra Pandit confirmed that the process of registering FIRs was under way. Reports also indicated that the detained protesters were released later on Sunday. The episode has brought the competing responsibilities of maintaining public order and protecting citizens’ right to peaceful assembly into sharper focus.
While authorities can impose reasonable restrictions to address safety and security concerns, the circumstances and proportionality of police action remain important considerations whenever citizens gather to raise political or civic demands.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Peaceful protest is an essential part of a functioning democracy, allowing citizens to question institutions, raise concerns and demand accountability without resorting to violence. Allegations concerning electoral rolls deserve transparent examination, as confidence in elections depends not only on the integrity of the process but also on the public’s ability to seek answers.
At the same time, allegations of electoral wrongdoing must be assessed through verifiable evidence and established procedures rather than treated as proven facts. The authorities have a responsibility to maintain public order, but restrictions and detentions must be lawful, proportionate and open to scrutiny. Political leaders, too, must ensure that their supporters remain peaceful and that disagreements do not escalate into confrontation.
