Delhi is set for heightened security ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s proposed nationwide protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar on October 10.
Around 23,000 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel are expected to be deployed in the capital between October 8 and 12, according to an NDTV report. The Union Home Ministry has cleared 221 CAPF companies, in addition to 110 companies already placed at the disposal of the Delhi Police.
The deployment includes 85 CRPF companies, 10 SSB companies, seven ITBP companies, seven Rapid Action Force units and one CISF company. Around 20,000 Delhi Police personnel will also be deployed.
The security presence is significantly larger than during the CJP’s July protest at Jantar Mantar, when around 150 CAPF companies were deployed. During the farmers’ protest, the figure stood at 93.
Authorities are also preparing for tighter restrictions across the capital. Security agencies are expected to maintain strict surveillance at Delhi’s borders, while multi-layered barricading and extensive CCTV monitoring will be put in place.
A report by NDTV states that New Delhi Metro stations could be closed if the situation warrants it, while markets may also be shut as a precautionary measure. Face Recognition System cameras are also expected to be deployed across the city.
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which allows executive magistrates to impose urgent restrictions to maintain public order, will remain in force. Authorities have indicated that protests and public gatherings will not be permitted beyond designated arrangements.
Railway stations and bus terminals will also remain under surveillance, while neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, have been asked to stay on alert.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das announced the October 10 protest on Wednesday, saying the party would formally inform the Delhi Police about the demonstration and cooperate with officials on security, traffic and law-and-order arrangements.
The protest comes amid mounting opposition to the Election Commission. INDIA bloc leaders, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, were detained during a demonstration in Delhi and later released. Opposition MPs are scheduled to meet at a café around 1.45pm on Thursday to discuss Wednesday’s developments and chalk out their next course of action. They are also expected to march to Rajghat following the meeting.
