Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar was detained by Delhi Police on Friday following an altercation at Kerala House in the capital. The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over room availability, leading the Resident Commissioner to file a formal complaint.
Kumar, who oversees the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) for the All India Congress Committee, had reportedly gone to Kerala House to stay in a room booked under a friend's name. When informed that no rooms were available, he sought clarification from Resident Commissioner Puneet Kumar. The discussion escalated into an argument, prompting the Resident Commissioner to contact Delhi Police and request Kumar's removal from the premises.
Kumar Criticizes Detention, Cites Governor's Visit
While being detained, Kumar spoke to reporters, criticizing the police action. He claimed he was told that Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar was expected to visit Kerala House later in the day, remarking, “Governor was coming, and Governor is King.” Kumar, who stated he was merely visiting a friend, alleged that his detention reflected the “behaviour of [Union Home Minister] Amit Shah and the Delhi Police.”
His office confirmed his detention at Jaffarpur Kalan police station and stated that legal assistance was being arranged for him.
Kerala House: A Site for Past Protests
Kerala House, situated on Jantar Mantar Road, has a history of being associated with protest movements. Notably, during the wrestlers' protest against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the Kerala government had allowed protesters to use the facility to freshen up. This move had drawn criticism from central government supporters at the time.
Kanhaiya Kumar's Activism and Recent Statements
A former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU), Kanhaiya Kumar has been a prominent voice in campaigns addressing issues such as examination paper leaks, unemployment, and student rights. Earlier this month, he criticized the Narendra Modi-led government's handling of the education system, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and comprehensive reforms. He also mentioned that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had been interacting with students nationwide to understand their concerns.