The Cockroach Janata Party has scheduled a 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march at Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday, October 16, 2026. This gathering is anticipated to disrupt traffic flow across several major corridors in central Delhi. The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory urging commuters to exercise caution while navigating Connaught Place and its surrounding neighborhoods after 3 PM. Motorists have been strongly advised to plan their journeys via alternative routes to avoid potential congestion and delays.
Meanwhile, the New Delhi Municipal Council has decided to keep Central Park closed for the general public on both Friday and Saturday, citing administrative reasons. The council formally communicated this closure to the Delhi Police, requesting adequate security arrangements to prevent any unauthorized entry into the park premises. This development follows the Delhi High Court's decision not to entertain a plea seeking to restrain the party from carrying out the march.
Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, had appealed to the public on Thursday to gather at Central Park by 5 PM on Friday carrying the national flag. The organization campaigned extensively through social media platforms and press conferences to rally participants for the demonstration. This march takes place amid an ongoing standoff between the party and the Delhi Police concerning protests directed against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Security Measures and Section 163 Restrictions
The Delhi Police has formally urged citizens to stay away from the proposed march. However, authorities indicated that arrangements could be facilitated to allow a limited number of people to hoist the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable designated spot. To maintain public order and safeguard citizens as well as public and private assets, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita have been enforced in the locality. Police warned that strict legal action will be initiated against anyone found violating these directives.
Traders and market associations across Connaught Place and neighboring commercial hubs have requested enhanced security measures to protect their shops and establishments. Business owners expressed apprehension that any disruption or unlawful assembly during the festive season could severely impact commercial activity. As a precautionary measure, security has been reinforced at multiple locations, including the Jhandewalan area near Rani Jhansi Road where Dipke is currently staying. Police authorities also emphasized that the display of the national flag and the recitation of the national anthem must be conducted with absolute dignity and in strict compliance with established protocols.
