Connaught Place is bracing for heightened security on Friday as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) prepares to hold its “Lehra Do Tiranga” march, with Delhi Police deploying more than 6,000 personnel and around 26,000 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel already stationed in the national capital amid continuing protests against the Election Commission.
The march, called by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, is scheduled for 5pm at Central Park in Connaught Place. However, Delhi Police has not permitted a large gathering and has indicated that a select group could be facilitated to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location. The police have also urged the public to stay away from the proposed demonstration.
The New
Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has ordered Central Park to remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17, citing administrative reasons. The move comes amid concerns over crowd management and the impact of the proposed protest on one of the capital’s busiest commercial districts.
Why Is Delhi On High Alert?
The extensive security arrangements come amid a continuing stand-off between CJP and Delhi Police over demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Police have imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Connaught Place and adjoining areas. The restrictions are intended to prevent disruptions and protect public and private property.
According to Hindustan Times, authorities are preparing for a possible gathering of 30,000 to 50,000 people, with additional personnel available if required. Police are also preparing to regulate movement around Connaught Place, where the busy commercial area, multiple approach roads and heavy pedestrian traffic pose particular challenges for crowd management.
Barricades have been placed at strategic locations, while surveillance measures, including cameras to record the gathering and preserve evidence in case of violations, are part of the security preparations. Traffic restrictions are also being considered on several roads in central Delhi.
Why Is CJP Planning The Tiranga March?
The proposed march follows the detention of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were sent to five days of judicial custody after allegedly entering Jantar Mantar, which was recently removed from the list of designated protest sites, and violating undertakings to maintain peace.
CJP has demanded the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar over allegations linked to the revision of electoral rolls. The party has also challenged restrictions on its protests, arguing that its demonstrations are aimed at defending voting rights and democratic accountability.
Dipke has appealed to political parties and civil society groups to join the proposed march, urging them to rise above ideological differences. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has extended support to the initiative, while student organisations and activists are also expected to participate.
Delhi High Court Declines To Stop Protest
The security preparations come a day after the Delhi High Court declined to restrain CJP and Dipke from holding the proposed protest at Central Park.
The court was hearing a petition by a Connaught Place vendor who raised concerns about the potential disruption to business 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 court’s decision did not amount to blanket permission for an unrestricted march. Police have maintained that prohibitory orders remain in force and that any gathering would have to comply with the applicable restrictions.
In its statement, Delhi Police said it could facilitate a limited group to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable place, provided the display adhered to prescribed norms and maintained the dignity of the national symbols.
The authorities have also appealed to residents and visitors to cooperate with the security arrangements and avoid the area around the proposed gathering.
Jantar Mantar No Longer A Designated Protest Site
The dispute comes after Delhi Police withdrew Jantar Mantar’s status as a designated protest venue, directing prospective demonstrators towards alternative locations such as Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground, subject to the requisite permissions.
The change has become a flashpoint for CJP, which returned to the protest site with the national flag after the restrictions were imposed. The party’s latest march is part of its effort to keep pressure on the Election Commission and challenge the limits placed on demonstrations in the capital.
With Central Park shut for two days and thousands of security personnel deployed, the immediate challenge for Delhi Police will be to manage the proposed gathering while minimising disruption to commuters, traders and visitors in Connaught Place.
