Delhi has tightened security and restricted access to transport and public spaces ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s proposed October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar, with more than 35,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel deployed across the capital.
The mobilisation, called “Jantar Mantar 2.0”, is demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The party is also seeking the scrapping of the revision exercise and an independent process for selecting Election Commissioners.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke told Times of India that he was prepared to face detention or arrest as he travelled to Delhi for the planned demonstration. “If they want to detain or arrest me, let them go ahead,” Dipke said, adding that the campaign would continue even if authorities invoked laws including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or the National Security Act.
Dipke alleged that security restrictions were intended to prevent people from reaching the protest and accused the government of using police, security forces and movement controls to discourage participation. His claims about the deployment of forces and restrictions on transport and communications were not independently established in the report and have been presented as allegations.
Delhi Police has denied permission for the proposed demonstration, citing law-and-order concerns and possible inconvenience to residents. In its communication to the party, the police said the intimation submitted by CJP was not a duly filed application seeking permission. Police guidelines require applications for demonstrations at Jantar Mantar to be submitted at least 10 days in advance.
Authorities also cited previous alleged violations of protest conditions, including demonstrations continuing beyond the stipulated time limits. The police position means that the proposed gathering does not have permission to proceed in its announced form at Jantar Mantar.
Officials estimate that around 20,000 people could attempt to reach the protest site. Security checks have been intensified at Delhi’s borders, while barricades have been installed in several areas. Mobile internet services have been suspended in parts of central Delhi, according to the report.
Access controls have also affected the Delhi Metro. Entry and exit at 45 stations have been restricted after an initial order covered 57 stations. The measures could affect commuters travelling through central Delhi, particularly those using stations near the protest area or changing routes because of road and security restrictions.
The Centre has directed states and Union Territories to coordinate with Delhi Police and take preventive measures ahead of the proposed gathering. The direction cites concerns over a possible attempt by the CJP and its supporters to enter the national capital despite the denial of permission.
Dipke has maintained that peaceful protest is a fundamental right and said the party would continue its campaign for what it described as free and fair elections. The next official developments will depend on whether the planned mobilisation takes place and how Delhi Police implements its security and access restrictions around Jantar Mantar and other affected areas.
