Delhi fortified again: 6,000 cops, 220 companies of CAPF, CCTV network in place ahead CJP’s ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march

Delhi has bolstered security measures ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) "Lehra Do Tiranga" march, deploying 6,000 police personnel and 220 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Barricades have been erected at key locations such as Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, ITO, and Sansad Marg. The city’s extensive CCTV network is also active, monitoring the situation closely. The march is scheduled to take place at Central Park in Connaught Place on October 16 at 5 p.m., despite a notice from Delhi Police barring the event due to prohibitory orders in the area. The CJP, founded as a satirical response to a comment by the Chief Justice of India likening unemployed youth to "cockroaches," has evolved into a movement focused on issues like unemployment, examination irregularities, and government accountability. Its latest protest demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The group also seeks the release of two of its members, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who are currently in judicial custody following their detention at Tihar Jail. In a related development, a 30-foot-tall cockroach effigy will be burned alongside figures of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnad during the Ramlila in Pitampura. Organisers of the event, the Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee, stated that the effigy symbolises filth and dirt, reinforcing messages of cleanliness under the Swachh Bharat and Swachh Delhi campaigns. Committee president and BJP MLA Ashok Goel clarified that the move was not politically motivated but aimed at promoting the idea of good triumphing over evil. Delhi Police have denied permission for the CJP’s march, citing prohibitory orders in Connaught Place and surrounding areas. The New Delhi Municipal Council has also confirmed that Central Park will remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17. Despite these restrictions, the CJP has called on supporters to gather at the venue, with founder Abhijeet Dipke encouraging those unable to attend in person to hold similar flag marches in their respective cities. Reactions from various groups have varied. The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) expressed concerns over the economic impact of frequent protests on Connaught Place businesses, noting instances of zero sales on certain days. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) organised its own "Tiranga" march near Rashtrapati Bhavan, led by Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj. The AAP’s event coincided with the CJP’s planned demonstration, highlighting the broader political discourse surrounding the issue. The CJP’s recent actions have drawn criticism from some quarters. The Janata Dal (United) accused opposition leaders of attempting to pressure the judiciary through their protests. Additionally, the Nationalist Congress Party-Sanhya Sampraday (NCP-SCP) indicated its intention to participate in the CJP’s march, with spokesperson Anish Gawande stating that the group would decide on further steps after reviewing the notice served by Delhi Police to CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. The Supreme Court has directed the Centre and police to ensure that press and legal professionals are not impeded during protests, following reports of detentions. Earlier, the court had issued notices to Opposition leaders, including Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, regarding their planned march to the Supreme Court over alleged electoral roll irregularities. The Election Commission has reportedly agreed to provide a machine-readable digital voter list to political parties, a demand previously raised by Gandhi.