NEW DELHI: The national capital has been placed under an extensive security blanket ahead of the October 10 protest called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), with support from Left organisations and opposition groups, including the INDIA bloc, against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The scale of the security arrangements is striking, with around 23,000 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel deployed in 221 companies, besides approximately 20,000 Delhi Police personnel. The additional central deployment comprises 85 CRPF companies, 10 SSB companies, seven each of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and ITBP, and one CISF company. The forces are expected to remain available in the capital until October 12.
The heightened security comes alongside major transport restrictions. Authorities have ordered the closure of entry and exit gates at 57 Metro stations from Friday night until the situation normalises. Railway services to and from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations have also been curtailed between 4 am and 2 pm on Saturday, disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers.
Police have denied permission for the proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar, citing public-order concerns. Multiple barricades, checkpoints and detention facilities have been planned, while surveillance has been intensified at Delhi’s entry points, railway stations and bus terminals. Neighbouring states have also been asked to remain vigilant.
The protest centres on objections to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which opposition parties and campaigners allege could disenfranchise voters. The Election Commission has defended the revision process, maintaining that the exercise is not complete and that eligible voters can seek inclusion.
Protest organisers have vowed to proceed despite the restrictions, while reports of activists being detained in different states have added to the political tension. With public transport disrupted and security forces deployed on an unprecedented scale, Saturday’s mobilisation is emerging as a major test of the administration’s handling of dissent and the right to peaceful protest.