Anti-CEC protest LIVE: Rahul Gandhi to lead Opposition march against Gyanesh Kumar to Supreme Court, metro services restricted

Delhi metro shuts entry, exit at 6 stations ahead of Congress protest

The entry and exit gates at six Delhi Metro stations, including Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk and Patel Chowk, will remain closed till 4 pm on Monday ahead of a protest announced by the Congress against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said the entry and exit facilities at Janpath, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk and Patel Chowk will be closed due to security reasons. However, interchange facilities will remain available at all the affected stations, the DMRC said in a post on X.

“The situation will be reviewed by the security agencies and necessary updates will be shared accordingly. However, interchange facility will remain available at all the concerned metro stations,” it further said.

BJP accuses Rahul Gandhi of political theatrics over CJI meeting request

The BJP on Monday took a swipe at the Congress over Rahul Gandhi's request for a meeting with the Chief Justice of India, saying the judiciary must remain above day-to-day political battles.

In a post on X, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, "From separation of powers to desperation for power, Rahul Gandhi has confused constitutional law with political theatre!"

He said the CJI declining to meet Rahul and Opposition leaders sends an important message: The judiciary must remain above day-to-day political battles.

"Constitutional institutions cannot be dragged into political theatrics," he said.

Further attacking the Congress leader, Bhatia said merely carrying a copy of the Constitution does not mean you understands it.

"Read it. Respect it. And learn the doctrine of separation of powers.The Constitution is a guide to governance, not a prop for political performance!" he added.

Intensifying their agitation against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the opposition parties would march to the Supreme Court on Monday, with Rahul and Mallikarjun Kharge seeking a meeting with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant to raise the issue of "vote chori".

The CJI, however, has declined to meet Rahul over "vote chori" allegations, saying similar matters are sub judice in the Supreme Court, sources said.

Both Rahul and Kharge had written to the CJI, seeking a meeting between 4 and 5 pm on Monday to hand over a memorandum, demanding an end to "vote chori", CEC's resignation, halting of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and switching back to the paper ballot format.

Delhi under heavy security ahead of Opposition march

Delhi was on high alert for the third consecutive day on Monday, with over 30,000 police and paramilitary personnel deployed across the capital ahead of an Opposition protest march to the Supreme Court to intensify the agitation against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

Protests against Kumar over the weekend saw thousands, including Cockroach Janta Party leaders and former chief ministers, being detained by police.

Opposition parties announced on October 11 that they would march to the Supreme Court on Monday to demand an end to "vote chori" and the resignation of the chief election commissioner (CEC).

The entry and exit gates at six Delhi Metro stations will remain closed till 4 pm in view of the opposition's protest.

Security has been tightened at the city's borders, railway stations, bus terminals and other sensitive locations to prevent unauthorised gatherings and maintain law and order, Delhi Police officials said.

Police have intensified vehicle checks at the borders and stepped up verification drives at hotels, guest houses, lodges and dharamshalas, they said.

More than 120 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are assisting Delhi Police in managing the situation. The New Delhi district has been divided into 20 zones, with joint commissioners, deputy commissioners and additional deputy commissioners monitoring developments on the ground, the officials said.

Special commissioners heading various units are also keeping a close watch on the situation.

Social media platforms are also being monitored for attempts to mobilise protesters, according to the officials.