CJP Tiranga march in Delhi today: Check traffic curbs, what’s closed, security measures and more in Connaught Place | Today’s news
Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) proposed ‘Tiranga March’ in central Delhi has prompted the Delhi Police to enforce strict traffic restrictions and deploy massive security cordons around Connaught Place.
The march was scheduled for 5 pm and received support from student organisations, activists and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
However, Delhi Police PRO Neha Yadav clarified that the march was not given permission, citing bans under Section 163 of the BNSS, which prohibit mass gatherings in the area.
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has proposed a Tiranga march at Connaught Place Central Park at 5 p.m. It was called amid a standoff with the Delhi Police over protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar after two CJP leaders were sent to judicial custody.
The advisory lists Sansad Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, Panchkuian Road, Basant Lane, Chelmsford Road, Minto Road, Barakhamba Road, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Janpath and Rafi Marg. It also names Rail Bhawan, C-Hexagon, Mandi House, Patel Chowk, Windsor Place, Gole Dak Khana, Ashok Road (GPO to C-Hexagon), Tilak Marg, Tolstoy Marg and Sikandra Road.
The NDMC closed Central Park to the public on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons. Markets and shops remain officially open, although trade associations have requested the protection of their establishments.
No. The Delhi Police said permission was not granted and that Section 163 of the BNSS prohibits large gatherings in the area. Police said they may consider allowing a select group to hold a flag march at a suitable alternative location.
Over 6,000 Delhi Police and 220 CAPF companies have been deployed in New Delhi, with 5,000 reservists on standby. Police have also erected barricades and increased security around Connaught Place and surrounding areas.
Read also | CJP Protest Today LIVE: Dipke says she is ‘under constant surveillance’
Here’s everything commuters, residents and shoppers need to know:
what is closed
Central Park: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) closed Central Park to the public on Friday and Saturday for “administrative reasons”. The security plan has taken into account this closure, with the NDMC demanding adequate measures to prevent unauthorized entry.
Markets and shops: While markets remain officially open, Yadav noted that business associations in and around Connaught Place have filed written requests to protect their establishments, citing concerns that large gatherings are affecting business.
Read also | Delhi Ramlila sets fire to 30-foot ‘cockroach’ effigy of Ravana amid CJP protests
Security measures: 6,000 employees deployed
To secure the sprawling commercial district without halting public movement, news agency PTI reported that authorities have mobilized a massive security apparatus covering Connaught Place, Rajiv Chowk, Jantar Mantar, Palika Bazaar and nearby metro stations:
Over 6,000 Delhi Police and 220 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have been deployed across New Delhi, while 5,000 reservists from other districts are on standby, PTI reported.
Thirty CAPF companies will be deployed during each shift, with three shifts scheduled throughout the day. “If the crowd increases during the night and we need more security, we will increase the number to 60 companies in one shift,” said a senior police officer.
Heavy barricades were seen at Patel Chowk, ITO, Sansad Marg and Connaught Place. Surveillance has also been significantly beefed up to monitor the gathering and preserve footage in case of any unusual incident.
“Since there were hardly any cameras in Central Park and a large gathering of people is expected, we have installed new cameras,” the officer said.
While the main march in the CP is banned, the authorities are open to a compromise.
“We are ready to grant permission to a few select protesters to march the flag at some other location,” Yadav said, adding that any such alternative arrangement would have to be made at a suitable location.
Read also | Delhi Traffic Alert: 21 roads around CP are restricted for CJP Tiranga march
Traffic restrictions: 21 roads to avoid
The Delhi Traffic Police has urged citizens to plan their journeys in advance, allow extra time and use public transport whenever possible to avoid traffic jams.
Authorities have identified several key arteries and intersections across central Delhi where vehicular movement will be restricted or diverted. Commuters are advised to avoid the following 21 roads and sections:
Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg
Ashok Road (from GPO to C-Hexagon)
Why is the march taking place?
The demonstration was organized amid a standoff between the CJP and the Delhi Police over planned protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The march was officially called after CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to judicial custody for entering Jantar Mantar on 13 October.
