Delhi News, October 16, 2026: Security was tightened in central Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march, scheduled for 5 pm on Friday. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) announced that Central Park in Connaught Place would remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17.
The proposed march comes amid CJP’s demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s removal over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the detention of party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.
CJP March: Date, Location and Key Updates
- March date: October 16, 2026, at 5 pm.
- Location: Connaught Place (CP), Central Park, Delhi.
- Park closure: Central Park remains closed on October 16 and 17.
- Security arrangements: More than 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel reportedly deployed across New Delhi and adjoining areas.
- Traffic advisory: Restrictions may affect central Delhi from around 3 pm on October 16.
- Key demand: CJP is seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral-roll irregularities.
Which Routes May Be Affected Today?
Delhi Traffic Police warned of possible traffic disruptions from 3 pm on October 16 ahead of the proposed CJP march at Connaught Place. Commuters should avoid the following roads where possible:
- Major roads: Sansad Marg, Janpath, Barakhamba Road and Baba Kharak Singh Marg.
- Other affected stretches: Minto Road, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Tilak Marg, Tolstoy Marg and Panchkuian Road.
- Nearby areas: Mandi House, Patel Chowk, Windsor Place and Rafi Marg.
Traffic diversions may change depending on the situation. Commuters should plan their journeys in advance, allow extra travel time, and use public transport wherever possible. Check the Delhi Traffic Police Advisory for updates before travelling.
Why Is CJP Demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s Removal?
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke called for the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march to protest the detention of party leaders and raise concerns over the electoral-roll revision process.
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to five days of judicial custody following their detention on October 13. Media reports cited alleged violations of peace bonds and their entry into Jantar Mantar, which was no longer a designated protest site.
CJP has linked the action against its leaders to its demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s removal. The party’s claims about electoral-roll irregularities remain allegations.
Security Arrangements Across Delhi
Delhi Police tightened security around Connaught Place ahead of the proposed gathering. A separate Indian Express report put the deployment of police and paramilitary personnel across New Delhi and adjoining areas at more than 25,000.
Prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were imposed in Connaught Place and nearby areas. Police also indicated that a select group could be permitted to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location, subject to official arrangements.
Why Is Connaught Place’s Central Park Closed?
The NDMC announced that Central Park in Connaught Place would remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17, citing administrative reasons. Visitors planning to visit the area should check local advisories before travelling.
Delhi Traffic Police warned that traffic around Connaught Place could be affected from approximately 3 pm on October 16, ahead of the proposed 5 pm march.
Commuters should:
- Check official traffic advisories before travelling.
- Allow extra time for journeys through central Delhi.
- Follow police instructions and use alternative routes where necessary.
Specific road closures and diversions should be confirmed through official traffic updates.
Delhi High Court’s Position on the Proposed March
The Delhi High Court considered a petition raising concerns about the proposed gathering’s impact on businesses and public access in Connaught Place. Delhi Police assured the court that appropriate legal measures would be taken. The court’s handling of the petition should not be interpreted as permission to hold the march at Central Park despite police restrictions.
What You Should Know
With the CJP’s ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march scheduled for October 16, security arrangements and traffic restrictions remain key concerns in central Delhi. Commuters should check official traffic advisories before travelling, while the closure of Central Park through October 17 may affect visitors to Connaught Place. The march also keeps CJP’s demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s removal and its allegations over the electoral-roll revision process in focus.
