New Delhi: Security arrangements have been intensified across the national capital as supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and several student organisations prepare to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar, seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Although Delhi Police have refused permission for the gathering, protesters have reportedly begun reaching the designated protest area.
The proposed demonstration centres on allegations concerning the conduct of the Election Commission and its handling of electoral processes. Organisers are demanding Kumar’s resignation, criminal proceedings against him, suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, and restoration of the electoral rolls published in January 2025. Their demands also include an independent investigation and repeal of the 2023 law governing the appointment of election commissioners.
Capital Placed Under Tight Security
Delhi Police have enforced prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing concerns over public order. More than 35,000 security personnel, including Delhi Police officers and personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have reportedly been deployed across sensitive locations.
Barricades have been installed on roads leading to Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas. Security forces have also positioned water cannons and Vajra vehicles to respond to any escalation.
Authorities have further ordered the suspension of mobile internet services in selected parts of the city. In the New Delhi district, services within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path area have been suspended for 24 hours beginning at 10 pm on Friday.
Metro Stations Closed, Rail Services Disrupted
Commuters are facing significant travel restrictions as part of the security measures. According to the announced arrangements, 57 Delhi Metro stations have been shut simultaneously from 9 pm on Friday, with closures scheduled to continue until the situation returns to normal on Saturday.
The Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar stations on the Namo Bharat corridor are also scheduled to remain closed until 10 pm on Saturday. However, train operations between Anand Vihar and Modipuram are expected to continue according to their regular timetable.
Railway services have also been affected. Departures from New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin and Tilak Bridge stations after 2 pm on Friday were cancelled under the announced restrictions. Trains scheduled to arrive at these stations between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday were also included in the cancellation plan.
More than 224 trains, including several Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Vande Bharat services, have reportedly been cancelled for Saturday. The total includes 179 local trains, potentially causing considerable inconvenience to daily commuters and passengers travelling to and from the capital.
The scale of the disruption has drawn comparisons with the railway restrictions imposed during the farmers’ agitation in 2020, when northbound trains originating in Delhi were cancelled for an extended period following protests near the Punjab–Delhi border.
Police Warn Protesters of Detention
Delhi Police have maintained that the CJP has not received permission to organise demonstrations anywhere in the capital. Officials have warned that supporters arriving in private vehicles through the airport, railway stations or neighbouring state borders could be detained and transferred to designated holding facilities.
Police have identified 35 detention centres for those taken into custody. Approximately 200 people associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), CJP and Left-wing organisations have reportedly been detained so far.
Joint Commissioner of Police for the New Delhi Range, Nupur Prasad, said CJP representative Saurabh Das submitted an application on October 7 seeking approval for the October 10 demonstration. According to the police, protest applications are ordinarily expected around 10 days before the proposed event, and the submission did not meet that timeline.
Public Movement Affected as Authorities Monitor Situation
The combination of transport restrictions, extensive security deployment and internet suspensions has placed parts of Delhi under heightened monitoring ahead of the planned gathering.
While organisers are pressing for changes to election-related policies and accountability from the Election Commission, authorities are focused on preventing unauthorised assemblies and maintaining public order.
The situation at Jantar Mantar and across key transport hubs is expected to determine how long the restrictions remain in place. Commuters have been advised to check official transport updates before travelling, as metro operations, railway schedules and access to affected areas may change depending on the security assessment.
