The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called for a gathering in New Delhi's central business district to assert its right to protest. The planned demonstration is set for 5 p.m. local time (1130 UTC) at Central Park in Connaught Place, approximately 600 meters from Jantar Mantar. The CJP is encouraging supporters to wave the Indian national flag in solidarity with its leaders, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, who are currently detained.
The New Delhi Municipal Corporation has closed Central Park for two days for 'administrative reasons.' The Delhi Police have issued prohibitory orders in Connaught Place to maintain public safety, urging protesters to refrain from gatherings that violate these orders. However, Deputy Commissioner of Police Neha Yadav indicated that arrangements might be made for a select group to gather for the purpose of carrying the national flag and singing the national anthem.
Security remains tight in Connaught Place, and a traffic advisory has been issued. The Delhi High Court declined to stop the CJP's protest, with the CJP questioning the need for permission to wave the national flag. The CJP's previous demonstration attempt was thwarted by police, leading to mass detentions of youth protesters advocating for electoral reforms.
In addition to the New Delhi protest, a similar rally called 'Lehra Do Tiranga' in Mumbai has received approval from local police. The CJP's actions are part of a broader movement, including opposition parties, calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over issues related to electoral rolls.
In other news, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Canada in December to strengthen bilateral relations, and the Indian government has advised nationals in Saudi Arabia to stay indoors due to recent aerial attacks by Houthi rebels.