CJP protest: Several protesters detained near Connaught Place as Delhi steps up security

New Delhi: A few protesters were detained near Janpath in the Connaught Place area of New Delhi on Saturday as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called for a ‘Jantar Mantar 2.0’ demonstration demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

More than 35,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across the national capital amid heightened security ahead of the proposed protest. The Union Home Secretary has also directed states and Union Territories to take preventive measures and maintain law and order.

The demonstration seeks accountability over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. CJP has called for a large gathering at Jantar Mantar despite Delhi Police denying permission for the protest.

“10th October. Jantar Mantar 2.0. We’re coming together again to raise our voice against Gyanesh Kumar. Thousands of us are expected,” the party said in an Instagram post.

Following the announcement, Delhi Police instructed its teams to detain anyone attempting to stage a protest, regardless of their location. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) units have also been directed not to issue weapons for deployment related to the demonstration, with letters sent to the concerned directorates regarding the allocation plan.

Unlike the arrangements during the INDIA bloc protest, police teams have been authorised to carry lathis and batons. In response to what police described as deliberate attempts to record and circulate videos portraying personnel negatively, teams have been instructed to avoid verbal confrontations with protesters.

Those detained are to be taken to six designated centres: Chhatrasal Stadium, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Yamuna Sports Complex, Surajmal Stadium, the Community Centre in Daulatpur and the Community Centre in Pandrawal.

Additional women personnel have been called in from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana for the October 10 demonstration. Multiple facial recognition systems, additional CCTV cameras, rooftop spotters and drones are also expected to be deployed across Central Delhi.

Several student organisations and political groups are expected to join the demonstration.

CJP activist says he will not back down

CJP activist Abhijeet Dipke said on Friday that he would not withdraw from the protest even if he were detained or arrested.

In a video posted on X, Dipke urged people to participate in large numbers while maintaining peace and discipline. He said he would leave Mumbai on Saturday morning and was unsure whether he would be arrested at the airport or later.

The party's demands include free and fair elections, the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, the scrapping of the SIR exercise and an independent process for selecting Election Commissioners.

“My only request to all of you is that in case I am detained or in case I am arrested, I have no fear of that,” Dipke said, adding that the party was fighting for free and fair elections.

He argued that this would require the CEC's resignation, the withdrawal of the SIR exercise and a neutral, independent process for appointing Election Commissioners.

Calling the demonstration a fight to protect democracy, Dipke urged participants to remain peaceful and comply with the law.

“This is a fight to save the country's democracy. Therefore, all of you, please come to Delhi's Jantar Mantar tomorrow in large numbers,” he said, while cautioning supporters against any action that could undermine the protest.

Centre asks states to strengthen security

The Union Home Ministry has directed states and Union Territories to strengthen security arrangements in view of the proposed mobilisation.

In an official letter, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan asked police chiefs across the country to coordinate with Delhi Police and take preventive measures. The communication cited concerns that CJP supporters might attempt to enter the national capital despite the denial of permission.

The letter referred to a Delhi Police order dated October 9 rejecting the party's request to hold the gathering.

“I write to draw your immediate attention to the grave law & order and public order implications arising from a proposed mass mobilisation by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, scheduled for 10.10.2026,” the letter said.

It added that the proposed assembly had been prohibited following the rejection of the request.

Opposition delegation meets President over alleged ‘vote chori’

The heightened security comes amid wider Opposition protests over the SIR exercise and allegations of electoral irregularities.

On Friday evening, leaders of the INDIA bloc met President Droupadi Murmu and submitted a memorandum outlining four demands concerning alleged “vote chori”. The delegation was led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who raised concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Following the closed-door meeting, a 10-member Opposition delegation briefed the media on its representation.

The delegation included Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party leader Rajiv Rai, NCP leader Supriya Sule and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah. The Left was represented by CPI(M) leader MA Baby and CPI leader D Raja. RJD leaders Tejashwi Yadav and Manoj Jha, along with Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi chief Thol. Thirumavalavan, were also present.

After the meeting, Gandhi alleged that the President had not dismissed the Opposition's concerns and had asked the delegation to provide evidence of the alleged electoral irregularities.

Banerjee said the President had assured the delegation that she would examine the details and had asked the Opposition to submit supporting evidence.

The meeting followed protests by Opposition MPs against the SIR exercise and allegations of electoral malpractice. The MPs had also criticised the Centre and the Delhi administration over security arrangements, Metro station closures and internet restrictions in the capital.

Delhi Police has maintained that permission for the October 10 demonstration has not been granted.

PTI