Delhi Tightens Security Ahead of CJP’s ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ March; Traffic Curbs Likely From 3 PM

October 16, 2026

New Delhi: Security arrangements have been strengthened across central Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march on Friday, with Central Park in Connaught Place closed to the public and traffic restrictions expected on several major roads.

The march has been called to demand the release of CJP members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who are in judicial custody following a protest at Jantar Mantar, which has been de-notified as a designated protest site. The party has also been raising concerns over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and accusing the Centre of shielding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has appealed to political parties and civil society groups to join the march, urging them to set aside ideological differences. The organisers have called on participants to carry the national flag.

“I request all political parties and civil society groups to rise above ideology and come together. If the right to vote is not saved, democracy will not be saved,” Dipke said on Thursday.

Central Park Closed, Security Increased

The New Delhi Municipal Council has announced that Central Park in Connaught Place will remain closed to the general public on October 16 and 17, citing administrative reasons. Security has been increased around the park and the Parliament Street Police Station as authorities prepare for the proposed gathering.

Personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have been deployed to assist the Delhi Police. NDMC security staff are also present in the area.

Delhi Police has said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain in force in Connaught Place and adjoining areas. The restrictions are intended to maintain public order and protect people and property.

However, police have indicated that they may make arrangements for a select group to assemble at a suitable location to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem.

DCP PRO Neha Yadav said legal action would be taken against anyone violating the applicable orders. She also urged people not to disturb public peace or disrupt the work of local businesses and shopkeepers.

Traffic Advisory: Roads That May Be Affected

The Delhi Traffic Police has warned that vehicle movement on several roads in and around Connaught Place could be affected from 3 pm onwards on Friday. Diversions and restrictions may be introduced depending on the situation.

The roads and stretches listed in the advisory include:

• Sansad Marg and Baba Kharak Singh Marg
• Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg and Panchkuian Road
• Basant Lane and Chelmsford Road
• Minto Road and Barakhamba Road
• Kasturba Gandhi Marg and Janpath
• Rail Bhawan and Rafi Marg
• C-Hexagon and Mandi House
• Patel Chowk and Windsor Place
• Gole Dak Khana
• Ashok Road, between GPO and C-Hexagon
• Tolstoy Marg and Sikandra Road

Commuters have been advised to allow extra time for their journeys, consider alternative routes and use public transport where possible. Traffic arrangements may change according to ground conditions.

Dipke Calls for Political and Civil Society Support

The CJP has presented the march as a show of solidarity with its members in custody and a protest linked to concerns over voting rights and the SIR exercise.

Dipke’s appeal seeks participation beyond party lines, while the Delhi Police has emphasised compliance with the restrictions currently in force. Authorities have urged residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel through the affected parts of central Delhi during the gathering.

The situation around Connaught Place is expected to remain under close watch as police manage security and traffic during the planned march.