Mamata Banerjee, TMC leaders detained ahead of Delhi protest

Mamata Banerjee and senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) functionaries were stopped from traveling to Jantar Mantar where they had planned to join a protest scheduled for Tuesday. The detention took place at South Avenue bus stop in the capital, preventing the West Bengal contingent from reaching the venue.

The TMC leadership had coordinated their participation in the demonstration, with plans to participate alongside other political groups. However, authorities denied them permission to proceed from their initial location, effectively blocking their access to the protest site.

The incident reflects ongoing tensions surrounding political demonstrations in the national capital. Delhi Police maintain discretionary powers to regulate movement and assemblies, particularly when security concerns are cited. The detention of the senior political delegation underscores the restrictions placed on protest activities in sensitive areas of the city.

The circumstances surrounding the decision to detain the TMC leaders, including whether formal prohibitory orders were in place or specific security concerns were cited, remained unclear. The party has not issued an immediate statement responding to the detention.