Delhi Deploys 23,000 Security Personnel and Cancels Trains Ahead of CJP Protest

Delhi authorities cancelled trains, closed 45 metro stations, and deployed approximately 23,000 security personnel on 9 and 10 October ahead of a planned protest by the Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms (CJP) and opposition parties at Jantar Mantar. The measures aim to prevent the capital from being brought to a halt, according to police statements.

The demonstration focuses on recent assembly election processes and demands the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner. Opposition leaders, including those from the INDIA bloc, have urged the President to repeal recent assembly poll results and have held meetings over what they describe as “vote chori.” Rahul Gandhi said after one meeting that he was shocked the President accepted the arguments put forward. Police have imposed restrictions in a four-kilometre radius around Jantar Mantar and unpublished an internet shutdown order covering the area.

Similar heavy security has been used in previous large opposition gatherings in the capital. The current deployment follows weeks of statements by opposition parties that they will continue protests against the Election Commission until the CEC is removed. Government sources have framed the restrictions as necessary to protect public order and essential services.

The protest is scheduled against the backdrop of ongoing national political disputes over electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission. No major violence has been reported in the preparatory phase, but the scale of the security measures indicates that authorities expect a large turnout. Metro and rail disruptions will affect ordinary commuters across the capital for the duration of the restrictions.

Opposition parties have said they will continue the campaign regardless of the restrictions. The immediate practical outcome is a city under extensive security cordons while the underlying dispute over election administration remains unresolved in the political arena.