UPDATED: Oct 16, 2026 12:14 IST
Delhi is bracing for a potential flashpoint as the Caucus Janata Party called for an unauthorised Tiranga rally at Central Park in Connaught Place. Party founder Abhijit Dipke urged citizens to join the demonstration following the arrest of leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das over events at Jantar Mantar. In response, authorities clamped prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita across the area. The New Delhi Municipal Council closed Central Park for two days citing administrative reasons, while Delhi Police deployed heavy security, diverted routes, and warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators. Police stated only 11 individuals would be permitted to unfurl the national flag at a designated location. Meanwhile, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh heavily criticised Rahul Gandhi and other opposition parties, accusing them of spreading lawlessness and attempting to hold democracy hostage under the guise of defending the Constitution.
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Supreme Court Plea Over Alleged Pushing Of Pregnant Journalist During Protest
The Supreme Court is set to hear an application concerning allegations that Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi pushed a pregnant woman journalist during a protest march. Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia mentioned the matter before the Chief Justice of India's bench, highlighting that a three-month pregnant media professional was allegedly manhandled while carrying out news gathering duties. The bench clarified that notice has been issued in the petitions linked to the protests and the Special Intensive Revision exercise, scheduling the matters to come up on 26 or 27 October after the Dussehra break. The controversy stems from visual footage showing chaotic scenes where a reporter claimed she was shoved to the ground. While the Bharatiya Janata Party has accused opposition leaders and protesters of misbehaving with women journalists, Congress leaders maintain that Rahul Gandhi was reacting to police manhandling and defending party workers during the march.
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Rajnath Singh Hits Out at Congress Over Protests, Alleges 'Regime Change' Plot Like Bangladesh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh mounted a sharp attack on the Congress party and its allies, alleging that they are attempting to incite anarchy and orchestrate a 'regime change' in India modelled on events in Bangladesh. Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, he claimed the opposition is using youth-led demonstrations against the Election Commission of India and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar as pawns in a politics of confrontation rather than pursuing genuine electoral reforms. He stated that the opposition's goal is to destabilise democratic institutions and seize power by creating chaos. Outlining past historical actions of the Congress, he pointed to the 1975 Emergency, the 1984 anti-Sikh violence, and actions against kar sevaks in 1990 as unforgivable offences, accusing the party of continuing to attack constitutional values. He advised Rahul Gandhi to shun disruptive politics and introspect.