New Delhi has stepped up security measures ahead of the proposed CJP Tiranga March, with approximately 6,000 police and paramilitary personnel deployed across Connaught Place and surrounding areas. The planned gathering, scheduled for Friday evening, has prompted authorities to close Central Park to the public on October 16 and 17, while prohibitory orders remain in force to prevent disturbances.
The march, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), is intended to protest the arrests of party leaders and renew demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Heavy Security Deployment Across Central Delhi
The CJP Tiranga March has led to a lot of security arrangements in the capital, especially in Connaught Place and Rajiv Chowk areas and their adjoining metro stations and business places. The Delhi Police has arranged for nearly 6,000 personnel, and further force arrangements have also been made for the expected crowd.
The security arrangements have also involved the deployment of more cameras with the facilities to record audio and video footage of the surrounding Central Park and other areas. There have been concerns over the possibility of disturbances and violence.
Central Park Closed on October 16 and 17
According to an announcement made by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), the Central Park located in Connaught Place would be closed to the general public for two days due to some administrative reasons.
The said decision came after CJP requested his supporters to gather at the park at 5 pm with a national flag in their hands. The supporters of AAP party have also been urged to join the gathering.
Prohibitory orders have been issued by the Delhi Police under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) at Connaught Place and nearby areas.
Why Is CJP Organising the Tiranga March?
CJP Tiranga March comes after the arrests of party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were arrested after a protest rally at Jantar Mantar where slogans for the resignation of the Chief of Election Commissioner were shouted. The leaders have since been remanded to five days’ judicial custody, sources say.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke is appealing to political parties and civil societies to come together because protecting voters’ right to vote is necessary to protect democracy. This is a central issue in the campaign being conducted by the CJP.
Police May Allow a Small Flag-Holding Group
Despite limitations on the planned rally, Delhi Police has expressed its willingness to allow 11 persons to raise the national flag and sing the national anthem in an appropriate venue based on the relevant guidelines.
Displaying of the national flag and singing of the national anthem will have to be done in accordance with the existing guidelines. The planned arrangement aims to give space to a small patriotic rally.
The CJP Tiranga March has therefore raised questions about how authorities can balance peaceful political expression with security requirements and restrictions on public gatherings.
Traders Fear Disruption to Festive Season Business
The new security precautions have, however, raised concerns for traders who conduct their businesses at Connaught Place and other markets. According to the trade bodies, protection needs to be provided for their marketplaces since large groups and constraints might hinder their customers’ movements and businesses.
Due to the festivities and the resultant crowds in the commercial zones of central Delhi, traders fear losses. The authorities have asked the protesters not to indulge in any illegal activities that might disrupt the business process.
Traffic Restrictions Expected Across Key Routes
The CJP Tiranga March is also anticipated to cause traffic disruptions in and around Central Delhi. As per the advisory issued by the Delhi Traffic Police and reported by NDTV, the traffic disruptions may start from 3 pm on Friday.
Some of the roads which are likely to be affected are Sansad Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Barakhamba Road, Janpath, Panchkuian Road, Minto Road, and Kasturba Gandhi Marg. Travellers have been requested to take public transport whenever possible, listen to traffic advisories issued by the police, and give extra time for travel.
Authorities Appeal for Peace
As preparations progress, it must be noted that the Delhi Police has stressed that upholding law and order and safeguarding the citizens’ and properties’ safety continue to be its concerns.
The CJP Tiranga March links the electoral process, political protests, security, and economic consequences of the protests all together. The impact of the march on central Delhi will depend on crowd movement and the efforts of the police.
It is advised that citizens moving around Connaught Place on October 16 and 17 should be aware of traffic notifications.