Kiren Rijiju: 'India is a free country'

UPDATED: Oct 10, 2026 22:13 ISTIn an interview with India Today, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju addressed key national issues, including allegations of an undeclared emergency, opposition protests, and voter roll management. Dismissing claims of targeted voter disenfranchisement, Rijiju stated that India is a free country governed by the rule of law and asserted that police restrictions during demonstrations are administrative measures aimed at maintaining public order rather than curbing democratic rights. He defended the Special Intensive Revision process as routine electoral roll purification without political or religious bias. Drawing on his tenure as Union Law Minister, Rijiju highlighted electoral reforms enabling continuous voter registration for youth and mounted a defense of constitutional institutions, emphasizing that the government safeguards the Election Commission of India and the Supreme Court from politically motivated attacks. Addressing parliamentary operations, Rijiju criticized disruptive floor tactics, reiterated the linkage between delimitation and women's reservation under the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, and responded to political demonstrations, unscheduled delegation visits led by Rahul Gandhi, and critical commentary from social media influencers. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSCJP Leaders in Custody, Opposition Mobilises for Mega Protest, Metro and Rail Curbs in DelhiDelhi Police continue to detain the leadership of the Cockroach Janta Party, with questions remaining over whether formal grounds of arrest will be presented. The leadership faced custody in the national capital while founder Abhijeet Deepke was offered the option of returning to Maharashtra following his grandmother's demise. Meanwhile, opposition parties are coordinating a major political mobilisation, requesting leaders from the opposition bloc, including Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, to remain in Delhi. The developments unfold amid administrative disruptions, including suspended internet services in the Lutyens zone, closed metro stations, and cancelled trains, as the opposition prepares to submit a memorandum to the Supreme Court following an earlier representation to the President.Delhi Turned Into Fortress As CJP Leaders And Protesters Detained Ahead Of DharnaA massive protest call in Delhi led to widespread security measures and detentions across the national capital. Security personnel, equipped with drones, body cameras, and multilayer barricades, deployed flag marches to prevent demonstrators from assembling. Leaders of the Kokrocz Janta Party, including Abhijeet Deepke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka, were detained by police shortly after their aircraft landed at Delhi Airport. Before being taken into custody, Deepke stated that Ajinkya Shinde would lead the party's movement in their absence. Protesters demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar were intercepted before reaching the designated demonstration area, with student demonstrators also detained near alternative locations such as the BJP headquarters. Strict checkpoints were maintained on routes leading towards Jantar Mantar and central Delhi, with paramilitary forces stationed to contain the gathering.Delhi Lockdown: Supreme Court Special Bench to Hear Contempt, Habeas Corpus PleasA special bench of the Supreme Court will sit on Sunday to hear two petitions challenging excessive shutdowns, metro blockades, and preventive detentions in Delhi. A contempt petition was filed against the Home Secretary, Delhi Police Commissioner, and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation chairperson for allegedly violating directions to adopt proportionate measures during protests. Additionally, a habeas corpus public interest litigation filed by Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy challenges the preventive detention of political leaders, students, and senior lawyers detained outside court chambers.