The Cockroach Janata Party is set to hold its proposed "Lehra Do Tiranga" rally on Friday. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) announced that Central Park in Connaught Place will be closed to the public on October 16 and 17 for "administrative reasons". The march is expected to be joined by Dipke, student organizations, activists, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Heavy security measures have been put in place across Lutyens’ Delhi ahead of the CJP's proposed flag march at 5:00 PM.
Over 6,000 Delhi Police personnel and 220 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are being deployed across major areas, including Rajiv Chowk, Connaught Place markets, Central Park, nearby metro stations, Jantar Mantar, and Palika Bazaar. An additional 5,000 personnel from neighboring districts have been kept in reserve.
This local police deployment is in addition to approximately 26,000 CAPF personnel stationed in the capital since the October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police stated that a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is already in force in Connaught Place and surrounding areas. They appealed to protestors not to violate the BNSS order, adding that they "may consider making arrangements to permit a select group of individuals to gather at a suitable location for the purpose of carrying the national flag and singing the national anthem".
Central Park To Remain Shut For Public
The NDMC issued a public notice announcing that Central Park will remain shut to the general public on October 16 and 17. DCP PRO Neha Yadav said the NDMC informed the Delhi Police through a formal letter, asking them to make appropriate security arrangements for the "significant and sensitive public park" and to prevent unauthorized entry.
"Various trade and market associations in and around Connaught Place have submitted requests seeking protection for their shops and establishments against disruptive elements and unlawful gatherings. They state that such activities are adversely affecting their businesses, particularly during the current festive season."
Regarding protestors holding the tricolour, she noted that prescribed rules must be followed while carrying or accompanying the national flag and during the singing of the national anthem, with "the utmost respect, dignity, and decorum" toward both. Police appealed to everyone to cooperate in maintaining peace and order.
The fresh protest follows the arrest of CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, and reported threats of action against Abhijeet Dipke.
On Wednesday, Dipke called upon people to gather at Central Park in Connaught Place on October 16 to hoist the Tricolour.
These back-to-back protests come amid a standoff between the opposition and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with parties and student leaders calling for the CEC's resignation.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and others on a petition filed by opposition leaders, led by Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, challenging the poll panel’s SIR of electoral rolls and alleged voter deletions.
Delhi Traffic Advisory for CP
Traffic movement on certain roads in and around Connaught Place is likely to be affected from 3:00 PM on Friday due to the CJP's proposed gathering at Central Park, the Delhi Traffic Police said in an advisory.
Roads Likely to Be Affected
1. Sansad Marg
2. Baba Kharak Singh Marg
3. Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg
4. Panchkuian Road
5. Basant Lane
6. Chelmsford Road
7. Minto Road
8. Barakhamba Road
9. Kasturba Gandhi Marg
10. Janpath
11. Rail Bhawan
12. Rafi Marg
13. 'C' Hexagon
14. Mandi House
15. Patel Chowk
16. Windsor Place
17. Gole Dak Khana
18. Ashok Road (from GPO to 'C' Hexagon)
19. Tilak Marg
20. Tolstoy Marg
21. Sikandra Road