Ahead of the proposed tricolour rally by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Delhi, party founder Abhijeet Deepke has expressed apprehension that he could be arrested. Security has been tightened in Connaught Place, and Central Park will remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17. The party is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The political and administrative activity in Delhi has intensified ahead of the rally. Deepke claimed that Delhi Police could arrest him at any time. Sharing photographs on social media, he alleged that plainclothes police personnel were following him. However, neither the apprehension of his arrest nor the allegation that he was being followed has been independently verified.
The CJP is preparing to hold its ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ rally at Central Park in Connaught Place, New Delhi, at 5 pm on Friday, October 16, 2026. The party is also protesting the judicial custody of Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das. Meanwhile, security arrangements have been tightened in Connaught Place, with traffic disruptions anticipated in the area.
Deepke held a press conference at around midnight on Thursday, expressing apprehension that he could be arrested. He said Delhi Police might take him into custody on Thursday night or by Friday morning. He subsequently posted photographs on X, claiming that plainclothes police personnel were monitoring his movements.
Deepke said he would not be deterred by the prospect of action for hoisting the national flag. Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he challenged the authorities to arrest him and questioned whether citizens needed permission to hoist the national flag. He maintained that hoisting the tricolour and singing the national anthem were matters linked to freedom of expression and respect for the country.
Administrative rules governing events at public places and the right to hoist the national flag are separate matters. Any instructions issued by the police and administration concerning the proposed rally remain relevant to the event.
The CJP has announced that its ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ rally will be held at Central Park in Connaught Place at 5 pm on Friday. According to the party, the event aims to assert the right to hoist the national flag and publicly express political opposition.
The rally will also press for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and protest the judicial custody of Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das.
Security has been increased in Connaught Place, a major commercial and public area in New Delhi. The locality includes prominent markets, offices and Rajiv Chowk Metro Station and remains busy throughout the day. A large demonstration could affect surrounding roads and public transport services.
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to keep Central Park in Connaught Place closed to the public on October 16 and 17. Available information cites administrative reasons for the decision, but the detailed grounds for the closure have not been specified.
The two-day closure could affect visitors to the park and the proposed rally. The decision comes amid preparations concerning security and public order ahead of the CJP event.
Delhi Police has indicated that arrangements could be considered to allow selected individuals to assemble at another suitable location to hoist the national flag and sing the national anthem. The final conditions and any permission for such an arrangement would depend on the decisions of the relevant authorities.
Security personnel have been deployed in Connaught Place, Central Park and surrounding areas ahead of the rally. According to available information, more than 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in New Delhi and nearby areas. Reports have also indicated that new CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor Central Park and the area around Rajiv Chowk Metro Station.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) are in force in some areas of New Delhi and its surroundings. The provision allows authorities to issue restrictive orders in relevant circumstances to maintain public order. Such orders can restrict gatherings in public places and certain activities.
Police have appealed to demonstrators to comply with the applicable orders. The administration has stated that maintaining public order and managing potential disruptions are priorities.
Traffic disruptions are anticipated on Friday from 3 pm on roads in and around Connaught Place because of the proposed rally. Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to plan their journeys in advance, allow additional travel time and use public transport wherever possible.
Traffic may be diverted to alternative routes if required. People travelling to Connaught Place, Rajiv Chowk and nearby commercial areas have been advised to follow local traffic instructions.
Crowds on roads during the demonstration could inconvenience office workers, local shopkeepers and commuters. Metro passengers have also been advised to check relevant traffic and security updates before travelling.
Deepke has questioned the decision to send Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das to judicial custody. He alleged that the authorities should provide a clear explanation of the action taken against them.
He said clarity was needed on how citizens should be treated in connection with activities such as hoisting the tricolour and singing the national anthem. Questioning the police action, he asked under what circumstances the two individuals had been arrested.
Official details of the cases and the police's account would be necessary to assess the circumstances surrounding the action. The legality of the action cannot be determined solely on the basis of statements made by one side.
The CJP has also announced plans to organise events under its ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ campaign in Mumbai. According to the available details, Mumbai Police has granted the party permission to hold a tricolour demonstration at Azad Maidan.
The development indicates that the party intends to extend its campaign to more than one city. However, rules governing public events and the conditions attached to permissions may differ across cities, depending on the requirements of local authorities.
Friday's developments in Delhi will centre on three issues: the CJP's proposed tricolour rally, Deepke's apprehension of arrest and the administration's preparations to maintain public order in Connaught Place.
Deepke's apprehension of arrest has not been independently verified. Meanwhile, the closure of Central Park, the imposition of prohibitory orders in some areas and the traffic advisory indicate that the administration is taking precautions ahead of the event.
The final arrangements for the rally, the possible provision of an alternative venue for demonstrators and the impact of the event on traffic and public order remain to be determined.
