Anti-CEC protest: Over 100 AISF, AIYF cadres arrested during procession in Chennai

A protester being arrested by the Chennai police on Saturday | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement More than 100 cadres of the All India Students’ Federation (AISF) and the All India Youth Federation (AIYF) were arrested by Chennai police on Saturday (October 10, 2026) while attempting to take out a procession to the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.The members had gathered to march to the Secretariat and lay siege to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu. Led by AIYF State secretary K. Bharathi and AISF State president K. Ibrahim, the protesters assembled near the Periyar statue on Anna Salai and proceeded along Sivananda Salai. The police stopped them and prevented them from moving further.Anti-CEC Delhi protest LIVE updates: CJP urges youth to take charge of movement as leaders detained; protesters being taken away from Jantar Mantar, nearby areasThe protesters accused the CEC of orchestrating “vote theft” and called for criminal proceedings and other action against him. They also raised slogans demanding his removal and condemning the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for allegedly supporting those accused of stealing votes. “Our vote, our right!” and “Do not steal our right to vote!” were among the slogans raised by the protesters.The police forcibly bundled the protesters into vehicles despite their resistance and heated arguments. They were detained at a community hall.During the scuffle, Kavin, a protester from Mylapore, sustained a head injury and was taken to hospital for treatment.The protest coincided with the agitation called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and other Left organisations at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. Published - October 10, 2026 01:08 pm IST