Delhi is preparing for heightened security and widespread transport disruptions ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
With the Delhi Police denying permission for the demonstration, authorities have stepped up security arrangements, restricted metro operations at key stations and cancelled several train services arriving in the capital. According to NDTV, around 23,000 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel are being deployed alongside additional Delhi Police personnel to manage the anticipated crowds and maintain public order.
57 Metro Stations Face Restrictions
The Delhi Police has asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to close entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations from 9 pm on October 9 until the situation returns to normal. Train frequencies may also be reduced on affected routes.
Major stations covered by the advisory include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Mandi House, Patel Chowk, ITO, Kashmere Gate and Supreme Court. The restrictions could affect daily commuters, interchanges and access to several parts of the capital.
Mail and Express Trains Cancelled
Indian Railways has also cancelled Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10. The affected services have been cancelled at their originating stations, with the Railways citing anticipated severe traffic congestion and the possibility of road blockages around the stations.
The disruption includes the Howrah–New Delhi and Sealdah–New Delhi Rajdhani Express services scheduled to depart on October 9, affecting passengers travelling from West Bengal to the national capital.
23,000 CAPF Personnel, Barricades and Surveillance
The security plan includes multi-layered barricading, CCTV monitoring and the installation of facial-recognition cameras, NDTV reported. The Union Home Ministry has approved the deployment of 221 CAPF companies between October 8 and 12, in addition to reinforcements for the Delhi Police.
Authorities have also asked neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, to remain alert. Restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) are in force in parts of central Delhi, and police have warned of legal action for violations.
Police Deny Permission for Protest
The Delhi Police said permission for the Jantar Mantar demonstration had been denied because organisers had not provided the mandatory 10-day advance notice. Officials also cited alleged violations of guidelines during an earlier protest and concerns about public safety.
The CJP has maintained its call for a demonstration against the Chief Election Commissioner over the SIR process. The planned protest comes amid a broader political confrontation over electoral-roll revisions and allegations of voter exclusion.
The scale of the security deployment and the restrictions on public transport underline the extent of the preparations for October 10. For commuters and long-distance passengers, the immediate impact is likely to be significant, with authorities urging people to check transport advisories before travelling.
