New Delhi: Delhi’s Connaught Place Central Park will remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17 ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed “Lehra Do Tiranga” march. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) announced the decision in a public notice issued on Thursday, citing administrative reasons.
The closure comes amid heightened security in the national capital as the party has called for a gathering at Central Park on Friday. The proposed march is part of an ongoing standoff between CJP and Delhi Police over demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
NDMC Announces Two-Day Closure
In its notice dated October 15, the civic body said Central Park would remain closed to the general public on October 16 and 17 due to administrative reasons. The notice was issued by the NDMC director.
The park, located above Rajiv Chowk Metro station in the heart of Connaught Place, is a popular public space that attracts visitors, shoppers and commuters. Its closure is expected to affect access to the area during the proposed demonstration.
The announcement follows concerns about possible disruptions to business activities and movement in Connaught Place and the nearby Palika Bazaar area.
CJP Calls for ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ March
CJP has called on supporters to assemble at Central Park at 5 pm on October 16, carrying the national flag. The party says the gathering is intended to show solidarity with its leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, who were sent to five days of judicial custody over allegations linked to violations of peace bonds and entering Jantar Mantar, which has been withdrawn as a designated protest site.
The party has been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Its demonstrations have continued amid objections from police over protests at locations that are no longer officially designated for such gatherings.
Delhi High Court Records Police Assurance
The Central Park closure was announced after the Delhi High Court declined to restrain CJP from holding its proposed protest. The court recorded Delhi Police’s assurance that necessary lawful measures would be taken to regulate the gathering and maintain public order.
The matter came before the court following a petition by a licensed street vendor at Palika Bazaar, who raised concerns that the demonstration could lead to traffic restrictions and disrupt the livelihoods of traders and daily-wage workers in the area.
Delhi Police has maintained that Jantar Mantar is no longer a designated protest site and has identified alternative venues, including Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground, for demonstrations subject to the required permissions.
The proposed march comes amid heightened security in central Delhi and continuing tensions between the party and police over the right to protest and the regulation of public spaces.