Delhi Police have imposed strict traffic restrictions and tightened security around Connaught Place ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) proposed Tiranga March scheduled for 5 PM today. The march, planned at Central Park, Connaught Place, has not received official permission due to prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS banning mass gatherings in the area, according to livemint.com.
The protest comes amid a standoff between CJP and Delhi Police over demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, following the judicial custody of two CJP leaders. Delhi Police have closed Central Park to the public on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons and issued advisories listing multiple roads around Connaught Place that will face traffic curbs. The police urged commuters to plan their journeys accordingly and warned of possible traffic diversions, per livemint.com.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke defended the party’s peaceful protest approach, emphasizing adherence to Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence. Dipke argued that government-imposed restrictions and internet shutdowns, rather than the protests themselves, disrupt economic activity. He also rejected claims that the party’s actions amount to anarchy, stating that demanding government accountability and protesting injustice are constitutional rights, as reported by livemint.com.
Central Park will remain closed through October 17, and the Delhi Police have deployed extensive security cordons around Connaught Place. The police have also cautioned the public to avoid the protest area, while allowing a select group to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location, according to livemint.com.