Delhi Faces Travel Chaos Ahead of Major October 10 Protest
Delhi is bracing for significant travel disruptions ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on October 10. The group aims to protest against alleged “vote theft” and demands accountability from the Chief Election Commissioner.
Indian Railways has cancelled many Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive in New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin between 4:00 AM and 2:00 PM on October 10. This decision was made due to expected severe road congestion around the stations. Another train, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (Mumbai)-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express, was also cancelled on October 9 for operational reasons.
Delhi Police has denied permission for the CJP’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar. Police cited short notice, past failures to follow directions, and concerns over public safety and traffic flow. Joint Commissioner Nupur Prasad confirmed the denial, stating an application was received late. She also mentioned that a legal provision, Section 163 of the BNSS, is in effect in New Delhi to maintain public order.
Security has been increased at several Delhi borders, including Ghazipur and Singhu. Delhi Police also proposed closing entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations and reducing train frequency. These measures were suggested to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) due to the risk of large crowds moving towards sensitive areas.
Despite the police denial, CJP activist Abhijeet Dipke confirmed the protest would go ahead on October 10. He stated activists are ready to face arrest. Mr. Dipke questioned the restrictions, highlighting the inconvenience caused to ordinary people by shutting down transport. He also mentioned Article 19 of the Constitution, which allows freedom to protest.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal urged citizens to join the protest. He claimed that the central government is undermining democracy by deleting votes of those who do not support them. Mr. Kejriwal called for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and confirmed he would attend the protest.
The Supreme Court has intervened in the matter. It directed authorities not to completely suspend metro train services. The court asked the central government to consider regulated operations of metro and other railway services. This is to avoid inconvenience for commuters.
The Supreme Court emphasized the need to balance security measures with the public’s access to transport. Chief Justice Surya Kant voiced concern over the complete closure of metro station entries. He noted that such actions affect thousands of daily commuters. The court also asked the government to rethink Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue.
