Delhi is under a massive security blanket on Friday, October 16, as law enforcement agencies brace for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed “Lehra Do Tiranga” protest march at Central Park in Connaught Place.
Authorities have mobilized over 32,000 security personnel across central Delhi, marking one of the largest deployments in the capital in recent years.
Massive Security Mobilization and Closures
With CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke calling for citizens, student organizations, activists, and political supporters to assemble with the national flag at 5:00 PM, the administration has moved swiftly to maintain public order:
- Force Multipliers: The deployment includes more than 6,000 local Delhi Police personnel backed by approximately 26,000 personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) stationed across the capital.
- Central Park Shut Down: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) officially closed Central Park for two days (October 16 and 17) following security advisories and formal requests from local trade and market associations worried about business disruptions and festive footfall.
- Section 163 Enforcement: Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS remain firmly in effect across Connaught Place and surrounding commercial hubs, barring unauthorized gatherings.
Police Stance and Compromise Offer
Speaking on the security arrangements, Deputy Commissioner of Police and PRO Neha Yadav noted that while a large-scale unauthorized march has not been cleared, authorities are open to a controlled alternative:
“We appeal to everyone not to join any such gathering which violates the BNSS guideline or affects peace. Action will be taken against offenders. We are ready to give permission to a select few protesters for a flag march at some other spot,” Yadav stated.
Intelligence units anticipate crowd estimates ranging between 30,000 and 50,000 protesters.
Over 220 CAPF companies have been split into rotational shifts, backed by newly installed high-definition CCTV cameras around Rajiv Chowk and heavy barricading on approach roads near Patel Chowk, ITO, and Sansad Marg.
Context of the Unrest
The heightened tensions follow a week of escalating political friction sparked by the detention of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who remain in judicial custody following a breach at the de-notified Jantar Mantar protest site.
Demonstrators continue to demand accountability and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over controversies surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
