6,000 cops, 200 CAPF companies, 21 roads facing curbs: Delhi gears up for CJP march

NEW DELHI: Central Delhi is bracing for a massive security operation again on Friday, with the Delhi Police deploying around 6,000 personnel, supported by 200 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in shifts, ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Connaught Place.From barricades and body-worn cameras to heavy security deployment and extensive traffic restrictions, the authorities are preparing for a high-security day in the heart of the national capital amid a standoff over the party’s proposed protest.The march, called by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, is scheduled for 5pm on October 16 at Central Park in Connaught Place.The party has appealed to people to join the gathering carrying the national flag, describing it as a campaign to defend voting rights and the right to protest.Police personnel will be deployed at strategic locations, with barricades erected and the movement of protesters and commuters regulated to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident. The deployment of personnel in shifts is expected to ensure security throughout the day.However, the proposed gathering faces a major hurdle.The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has said Central Park will remain closed on Friday, while the Delhi Police said it may consider allowing a select group of people to gather at a suitable location to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem.

A senior police officer said Jantar Mantar had also been denotified as a designated protest venue.Demonstrations can instead be held at Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground or CBD Ground after obtaining the requisite permission, the officer said.The proposed march follows the arrest of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were sent to five days of judicial custody after entering Jantar Mantar and raising slogans demanding the resignation of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.The arrests came amid the continuing dispute over the withdrawal of Jantar Mantar’s status as a designated protest site.

Possible traffic restrictions on 21 roads

The heightened security arrangements are also expected to affect traffic across central Delhi.In a specific advisory issued ahead of the proposed gathering, the Delhi Traffic Police said movement on several roads in and around Connaught Place could be affected from 3pm.

The police said dynamic traffic diversions may be implemented depending on the prevailing situation.The roads and stretches likely to be affected are:

The traffic police has advised commuters to plan their journeys in advance, allow sufficient additional travel time and use public transport wherever possible.Motorists have also been asked to follow the directions of traffic personnel and avoid roadside parking, using designated parking facilities instead.Commuters can access real-time updates, traffic alerts and information on alternate routes through the Delhi Traffic Police website and its official social media handles, including @dtptraffic on X, Instagram and Facebook.For assistance, they can call the traffic helplines at 1095 or 011-25844444.

CJP intensifies campaign

The proposed march marks another escalation in the CJP’s campaign against Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.At a joint press conference in Delhi on Thursday, Dipke appealed to political parties, student organisations and civil society groups to join the protest, urging them to set aside ideological differences."I request all political parties and civil society groups to rise above ideology and come together. If the right to vote is not saved, democracy will not be saved," Dipke said.The CJP has alleged large-scale deletions from electoral rolls and accused the authorities of failing to address its concerns. These remain allegations made by the party.The campaign began in Mumbai on October 2 before moving to Delhi. Planned demonstrations and attempts to reach Jantar Mantar subsequently led to multiple detentions.The party announced the Connaught Place march after continuing to press for permission to protest at Jantar Mantar.With Central Park scheduled to remain closed, Connaught Place not recognised as an authorised protest venue and traffic restrictions expected from the afternoon, Friday’s gathering is set to test the Delhi Police’s crowd-management arrangements across the heart of the capital.

(With agency inputs)