Delhi Police has stepped up security across central Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed “Lehra Do Tiranga” march at Connaught Place on Friday, October 16. Around 6,000 police personnel and 200 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), deployed in shifts, are expected to oversee security as tensions continue over protests against the Election Commission.
The march, called by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, is scheduled for 5 pm at Central Park. However, Delhi Police has urged people to stay away from the proposed gathering, saying it may allow a select group to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location.
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has also ordered Central Park to remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17, citing administrative reasons.
Delhi Police Imposes Restrictions, Traffic Diversions Likely
Police have imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Connaught Place and adjoining areas. Barricades and surveillance measures have been put in place to regulate movement and prevent any disruption.
According to a Delhi Traffic Police advisory, traffic movement on 21 roads and stretches in central Delhi could be affected from 3 pm. These include Sansad Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Barakhamba Road, Janpath, Minto Road, Tilak Marg, Tolstoy Marg and Kasturba Gandhi Marg.
Diversions may be introduced depending on the situation. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time and use public transport wherever possible. They have also been asked to follow traffic police instructions and avoid roadside parking.
The traffic helplines are 1095 and 011-25844444.
Why Is CJP Planning the Tiranga March?
The proposed demonstration is part of CJP’s campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The party has alleged large-scale deletions from voter lists and demanded Kumar’s resignation. These claims remain allegations made by the party.
Dipke has appealed to political parties, student organisations and civil society groups to join the march, arguing that protecting voting rights is essential to democracy.
“I request all political parties and civil society groups to rise above ideology and come together. If the right to vote is not saved, democracy will not be saved,” Dipke said at a press conference on Thursday.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has extended support to the initiative, while activists and student groups have also been urged to participate.
Dispute Follows Detentions at Jantar Mantar
The march comes amid a dispute over the withdrawal of Jantar Mantar’s status as a designated protest site. Delhi Police has directed demonstrators towards alternative venues, including Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground, subject to the required permissions.
CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to five days of judicial custody after allegedly entering Jantar Mantar and raising slogans demanding the chief election commissioner’s resignation.
CJP has criticised the restrictions on demonstrations and argued that they limit its ability to protest over electoral issues.
Delhi High Court Declines to Stop Proposed Protest
The Delhi High Court on Thursday declined to restrain CJP and Dipke from holding the proposed demonstration at Central Park. The petition was filed by a Connaught Place vendor concerned about the possible impact on businesses and public movement.
The court recorded the police’s assurance that it would take necessary steps to regulate the gathering and maintain law and order. The decision did not grant blanket permission for an unrestricted protest.
Delhi Police has said it may facilitate a limited group to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location, subject to applicable restrictions.
With Central Park closed for two days and security arrangements tightened, authorities are preparing to manage the proposed march while limiting disruption to commuters, traders and visitors in Connaught Place.
