Delhi Traffic Police has warned of diversions and likely disruptions on 18 roads around Connaught Place and central Delhi on October 16 as the Cockroach Janta Party’s ‘Tiranga Lehrao’ flag march is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Commuters have been advised to plan journeys in advance, use public transport and follow directions from traffic personnel deployed along the affected routes.
The march has been called by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision exercise, according to The Hindu. The authorities have closed Central Park in Connaught Place for two days, citing administrative reasons.
The roads likely to face closures, barricading or diversions include Sansad Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, Panchkuian Road, Basant Lane, Chelmsford Road, Minto Road, Barakhamba Road, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Tilak Marg, Sikandra Marg, Janpath, Rail Bhawan, Rafi Marg, ‘C’ Hexagon, Mandi House, Patel Chowk, Windsor Place, Gole Dak Khana, Ashok Road from the General Post Office to ‘C’ Hexagon and Tolstoy Marg.
Delhi Police Deputy Commissioner Neha Yadav said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were in force in Connaught Place and adjoining areas to “maintain peace and tranquillity and protect human life and public and private property”. The order covers a high-traffic central district that connects government offices, commercial areas, transport hubs and major arterial roads.
The police said a limited number of people could be allowed to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location. Ms. Yadav said the display and carrying of the national flag and singing of the national anthem must be conducted in the prescribed manner and with due respect, dignity and decorum.
The Delhi High Court has refused to restrain the CJP from holding the proposed protest, while traffic authorities have prepared for movement restrictions around the Central Park area. The advisory asks motorists not to park on roadsides and to use designated parking facilities instead.
The Delhi Metro has not announced the closure of any station because of the march. According to the information available at the time of publication, all metro stations and services were operating normally. Commuters travelling through central Delhi have been advised to allow extra time and consider the Metro wherever possible. Traffic arrangements and restrictions will apply around the scheduled march area on October 16.
