Connaught Place Central Park Shut as CJP Gears Up for 'Lehra Do Tiranga' Rally
Central Park in Connaught Place shut on Oct 16-17 ahead of CJP's Lehra Do Tiranga rally. Delhi Police issue prohibitory orders amid political tension.
In a move that has sparked significant political tension in the heart of the capital, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced the closure of Central Park in Connaught Place to the general public on October 16 and 17. The decision comes just as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) prepares for its proposed "Lehra Do Tiranga" rally, leading to a standoff between activists, political parties, and the administration.
Administrative Lockdown and Police Restrictions
The NDMC cited "administrative reasons" for the sudden closure of the prominent public space. Simultaneously, the Delhi Police have implemented a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which covers Connaught Place and its surrounding vicinities.
DCP PRO Neha Yadav explained during a press conference that the NDMC formally requested the police to secure the "significant and sensitive public park" to prevent unauthorized entry. The police are on high alert following appeals from the CJP via social media and press conferences, urging citizens to gather at Central Park at 5 pm carrying the national flag.
Business Concerns and National Decorum
The crackdown is not solely driven by political concerns. According to DCP Yadav, various trade and market associations in the Connaught Place area have requested protection for their businesses. These traders expressed fears that unlawful gatherings and disruptive elements could harm their commercial activities, especially during the busy festive season.
While the police have appealed to protesters not to violate the BNSS order, they indicated a willingness to compromise. The authorities mentioned they might consider allowing a select group of individuals to gather at a suitable, designated location to sing the national anthem and carry the tricolour. However, they emphasized that the national flag and anthem must be treated with the "utmost respect, dignity, and decorum," adhering strictly to prescribed rules.
Political Firestorm and Arrests
The rally call has gained significant momentum with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) urging its workers and the general public to attend in large numbers. The situation has escalated following the arrests of CJP activists Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, along with reported threats of action against activist Abhijeet Dipke.
"Hoisting the national flag is a matter of pride and not a crime," asserted Abhijeet Dipke, who had called for the gathering to show national pride.
The arrests have drawn sharp criticism from Opposition leaders. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, slammed the government's approach, framing the protests as a broader struggle for constitutional rights. He stated, "Students. Youth. Journalists. The INDIA bloc. Different banners, one cause. All protests are one: citizens demanding their constitutional rights."
The Broader Conflict: Electoral Rolls Controversy
This localized tension in Delhi is mirrored by a larger legal battle. The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
The court is responding to a petition led by Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The petitioners allege irregularities and illegal voter deletions, leading to a heated standoff between the Opposition and the poll panel.