NEW DELHI: A proposed protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Connaught Place has triggered heightened security, anticipated traffic restrictions across 21 key roads and the closure of Central Park for two days, raising concerns over the disruption that a politically charged demonstration could cause in the heart of the national capital.
Billed as the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march, the gathering has been called by CJP to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. However, with Delhi Police preparing for a substantial security deployment and commuters being warned of possible traffic disruptions from 3 pm onwards, the proposed demonstration threatens to impose a considerable burden on ordinary citizens, traders and daily commuters.
STORY | Traffic curbs issued for central Delhi ahead of CJP's ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march
Traffic movement across several key stretches in central Delhi will be affected on Friday ahead of the CJP's proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at the Central Park in Connaught Place, with… https://t.co/A3FAeokh05
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 16, 2026
21 roads in the spotlight as traffic disruption looms
Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to plan their journeys in advance, allow additional travel time and use public transport wherever possible. Traffic movement on roads in and around Connaught Place is expected to be affected from 3 pm, with diversions potentially introduced depending on the situation.
The 21 stretches identified in the advisory include Sansad Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Janpath, Barakhamba Road, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Minto Road, Panchkuian Road, Tilak Marg and Tolstoy Marg. Other affected stretches could include Rafi Marg, Sikandra Road, Mandi House, Patel Chowk, Windsor Place and Ashok Road between GPO and the ‘C’ Hexagon.
These are not isolated neighbourhood lanes. They are important routes used by office-goers, shoppers, public transport users and people travelling through central Delhi.
For commuters already navigating the capital’s congested roads, even limited restrictions could mean longer journeys, missed appointments and additional inconvenience. Businesses around Connaught Place may also face uncertainty at a time when the festive season is bringing customers into the market.
The police have urged motorists not to park along roadsides and to use designated parking facilities. Commuters have also been asked to follow instructions from traffic personnel and monitor official traffic updates.
Security deployment raises the stakes
The proposed march has prompted heightened security arrangements around Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar. According to reports citing Delhi Police sources, several companies of paramilitary personnel have been stationed in the capital, while police teams are expected to deploy personnel at strategic locations and erect barricades.
The arrangements are intended to regulate the movement of protesters and commuters and maintain law and order.
Delhi Police has also urged people to stay away from the proposed march, citing prohibitory orders. At the same time, it has indicated that a smaller group could be facilitated to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location.
The police have said that traders’ and market associations in Connaught Place and surrounding areas have sought protection for their establishments against potential violence and unlawful assemblies, which could affect business during the ongoing festive season.
CJP has presented the proposed demonstration as a protest centred on the national flag and alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls. Its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, has alleged that citizens are being jailed for waving the Tricolour, referring to the arrests of party functionaries Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.
Das and Ranka were sent to five days of judicial custody on Wednesday and lodged in Tihar Jail after being accused of violating their peace bonds and trespassing into Jantar Mantar, which has been de-notified as a designated protest site.
High Court declines to stop the protest
The Delhi High Court on October 15, refused to restrain CJP and Dipke from holding the proposed demonstration at Central Park. However, the court took on record the police’s assurance that all possible steps would be taken to regulate and control the activities of protesters.
Meanwhile, the New Delhi Municipal Council announced that Central Park would remain closed on October 16, and October 17, citing administrative reasons.
