New Delhi: Security was tightened across the national capital ahead of a proposed protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Traffic restrictions and route diversions came into effect from 6 am on Saturday, with a large number of police personnel deployed at the protest site and surrounding areas.

Police personnel have installed barricades at several locations to regulate vehicle movement. Vehicles are also being stopped and checked at certain points. Traffic arrangements are being adjusted according to the prevailing law-and-order situation and on-ground assessments.

Traffic Disruptions Expected on Major Central Delhi Routes

According to the Delhi Traffic Police advisory, traffic may be affected around Connaught Place, Mandi House, Jantar Mantar, Patel Chowk and several major intersections in central Delhi.

Traffic restrictions and diversions have been announced around the Ashoka Road–Jantar Mantar Road roundabout, Tolstoy Marg–Janpath crossing, Jai Singh Road–Parliament Street crossing, Rail Bhawan roundabout, Patel Chowk, Gol Dak Khana and Windsor Place.

Vehicle movement may also be affected around Mandi House, Chelmsford Road, Parliament Street, Barakhamba Road and the Minto Road–Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg intersection.

Other locations where traffic conditions are being monitored include the Bhairon Road–Mahatma Gandhi Marg crossing, Lodhi Road flyover, Neela Gumbad roundabout, Madrasa T-point, Samrat Hotel roundabout, Sardar Patel Marg–Panchsheel Marg crossing, Bhikaji Cama Place, roads beneath the Moti Bagh flyover and the Ring Road–San Martin crossing.

Commuters Advised to Allow Extra Travel Time

Despite the heightened security arrangements, traffic was reported to be moving normally during the early morning hours. However, the Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel and allow additional time to reach their destinations.

People travelling through New Delhi and central Delhi to railway stations, interstate bus terminals or the airport have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly. Traffic restrictions may be modified depending on the situation at the protest site.

Entry and Exit Gates at 45 Metro Stations to Remain Closed

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had announced that entry and exit gates at 45 metro stations would remain closed from 9 pm on Friday until the situation returned to normal on Saturday.

Mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi were also reportedly suspended for 24 hours from 10 pm on Friday, according to the information provided. Security and traffic arrangements are being reviewed in real time, with restrictions subject to relaxation or tightening as required.

Protest Called Over Allegations Against the CEC

The proposed demonstration centres on allegations levelled against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protesters have raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and changes relating to Form 6, which is used for voter registration.

The protesters have also alleged that objections raised by two other Election Commissioners on these issues were disregarded. The allegations and related demands have prompted the call for a protest seeking Kumar’s resignation.

These claims remain allegations raised by the protesters, and independent verification as well as the official response of the authorities concerned would be necessary to establish the facts.

Security deployment and traffic management measures remain in place in Delhi to maintain law and order during the proposed demonstration.