The CJP Tiranga March at Connaught Place is set for 5 PM today (October 16, 2026), with the Cockroach Janta Party’s “Lehra Do Tiranga” demonstration planned at Central Park even as authorities have deployed 6,000 security personnel and shut the park for two days.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke called for the march on October 14, urging supporters to gather with the national flag at Central Park. The call came after CJP co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to five days of judicial custody for allegedly trespassing into the barricaded Jantar Mantar site, as reported by Onmanorama.
Supreme Court Declines Urgent Directions
The Supreme Court on Friday morning declined to issue urgent directions regarding the planned protest at Central Park, amid concerns from traders about potential business losses during the festive season. Urging protesters to ensure the public is not inconvenienced, the court said, “We hope better sense will prevail,” according to News9Live.
A day earlier, the Delhi High Court had refused to pass an order restraining the CJP and Dipke from holding the protest. The court recorded the Delhi Police’s assurance that it would take “all possible measures” to control the situation, the Hindustan Times reported.
Central Park Shut, Section 163 Cited
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) ordered Central Park in Connaught Place to remain closed on October 16 and 17, citing “administrative reasons.” Delhi Police has cited Section 163 (prohibitory orders) and appealed to protesters and the public not to join gatherings in violation of restrictions, warning of legal action.
Police said permission for a flag march could be given to a select few protesters at some other spot. “All protesters must follow rules while carrying the national flag and while singing the national anthem. Respect and decorum must be maintained towards both the tricolour and the national anthem,” police said in a press briefing, as reported by the Hindustan Times.
Background: Why the CJP Is Protesting
The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The party alleges large-scale voter deletions; the Election Commission maintains the exercise removes duplicate and ineligible entries.
On October 11, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar withdrew Jantar Mantar’s status as a designated protest site, naming Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as alternatives. On October 13, Das, Ranka and other CJP members entered the barricaded Jantar Mantar site carrying the national flag, leading to their detention and judicial custody.
Ahead of today’s march, members of the All India Students’ Federation (AISF) and All India Youth Federation (AIYF) were detained near Gol Dak Khana on October 15 during a Tiranga March demanding the CEC’s resignation, according to the Times of India.
Political Reactions
The BJP on October 15 accused Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and his allies of attempting to turn the Supreme Court premises “into a protest site” after opposition leaders marched to the court on October 12 to submit a petition on the SIR issue, The Hindu reported.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has ordered a special summary revision of voter rolls across 17 states and union territories, easing eligibility rules amid the ongoing protests.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the CJP protesting?
The CJP is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging large-scale voter deletions. The Election Commission says the exercise removes duplicate and ineligible entries.
What did the Supreme Court say about the protest?
On October 16, the Supreme Court declined to issue urgent directions on the planned protest, urging protesters to ensure the public is not inconvenienced and observing "we hope better sense will prevail."
Is Central Park open today?
No. The New Delhi Municipal Council ordered Central Park in Connaught Place to remain closed on October 16 and 17, 2026, citing administrative reasons. Delhi Police has cited prohibitory orders (Section 163).
Why were CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka jailed?
The two CJP co-convenors were sent to five days of judicial custody for allegedly trespassing into the barricaded Jantar Mantar site on October 13, violating bond conditions.
