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New Delhi: Delhi is gearing up for another protest on Friday (October 16) in the wake of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’
march at Connaught Place. With barricades, body cameras, a massive security deployment and widespread traffic curbs, authorities are gearing up for heightened security in central Delhi amid the CJP’s planned protest. The Delhi Police has reportedly deployed 6,000 police personnel in the area. Meanwhile, several companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will also provide support to the police. The CJP has appealed to people to join the protest carrying the national flag. The security deployment has been made at strategic locations.
Central Park To Remain Closed:
Central Park in Connaught Place will remain closed to the general public on October 16 and 17, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) said in a public notice. In an official communication, the civic body said the closure was being imposed due to “administrative reasons”.
“It is hereby informed that the CENTRAL PARK, CONNAUGHT PLACE, shall remain closed for the general public, on 16th October 2026 & 17th October 2026, due to administrative reasons,” the NDMC’s public notice said.
The development came after the NDMC on Thursday denied permission for CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke’s proposed protest at Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Dipke's Reaction:
Reacting to the NDMC notice regarding the closure of Central Park on October 16 and 17, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke took to X and wrote, “If we announce 100 places, will Narendra Modi shut down all 100 places?”
Police Urge People Not To Join CJP's Protest:
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has urged people to stay away from the CJP’s proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Connaught Place but said it could facilitate a select group of people to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable place.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the police cited prohibitory orders in force in Connaught Place and adjoining areas, while indicating that a limited number of people could be allowed to participate in the symbolic display of patriotism.
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is already in force in the area to maintain peace and tranquillity and protect human lives, as well as public and private property, the statement said.
The police said various trader and market associations in Connaught Place and adjoining areas had sought protection for their establishments from unruly elements and unlawful assemblies, which could affect business during the festive season.
