West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh criticised the CJP protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi, warning of public disruption as authorities tightened security, imposed internet restrictions and closed metro stations ahead of the demonstration.
West Bengal Minister and BJP leader Dilip Ghosh on Saturday strongly opposed the proposed protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, describing the demonstration as an attempt to create disturbance and disorder in the national capital. His remarks came as authorities stepped up security arrangements across Delhi ahead of the planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Speaking to news agency in Newtown, West Bengal, Ghosh said the proposed demonstration could create difficulties for ordinary citizens. He maintained that the government had made arrangements to prevent inconvenience and ensure public safety amid the anticipated gathering.
“Attempts are being made to create a disturbance and disorder in Delhi, which could cause problems for the public,” Ghosh said, adding that measures had been taken to ensure people did not face inconvenience or get into trouble.
BJP’s Telangana State President Ramchandra Rao also criticised the political reactions surrounding the proposed demonstration. Referring to the CJP protest and Congress leaders, particularly Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Rao questioned their objections over arrests and restrictions on public meetings.
Rao said he had been arrested nearly 12 times in Telangana and had also faced house arrest and detention at police stations. He argued that Congress leaders should consider their own experiences and the actions of authorities in their respective states before criticising the police or government over restrictions on protests.
The CJP has announced its demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The allegations relate to the revision process, which has become a point of political contention. The protest organisers’ demands and the authorities’ decision to deny permission have added to the political exchanges surrounding the planned demonstration.
Security Tightened Across Delhi Ahead of Protest
Delhi authorities significantly strengthened security arrangements ahead of the proposed CJP protest. Additional Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel were deployed outside CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s residence, while local police remained on high alert to prevent any untoward incident.
Security measures were also intensified at several entry points to the national capital. Heavy deployment was reported along Delhi’s borders, including Chilla Border, which connects Noida with Mayur Vihar. Delhi Police personnel, additional security forces, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and traffic police were deployed at strategic locations.
Authorities also initiated vehicle checks to monitor movement and maintain security. Drone surveillance was being conducted at key locations as part of the arrangements to oversee sensitive areas and manage the situation.
The enhanced deployment was intended to maintain law and order during the planned demonstration and minimise potential disruption to traffic and daily activities. Commuters and residents faced additional security checks and transport restrictions in several parts of the capital.
Metro Closures and Internet Restrictions Announced
As part of the security measures, several Delhi Metro stations were closed. The restrictions included stations such as Supreme Court and Mandi House, while the closure of 45 metro stations was announced from 9 p.m. on Friday until Saturday evening.
Delhi Police also enforced internet restrictions in parts of central Delhi, particularly around the Janpath-Kartavya Path area. These measures formed part of the broader security arrangements ahead of the protest.
The closures and connectivity restrictions were expected to affect commuters and people travelling through central Delhi. Authorities maintained heightened vigilance as security personnel monitored sensitive locations and regulated movement in areas considered important for the demonstration.
Police Cite Non-Compliance in Denying Permission
The Delhi Police said permission for the proposed CJP demonstration had been denied because the organisers allegedly failed to comply with legal directions and undertakings given during an earlier protest.
The dispute over permission has become another point of contention between the protest organisers and authorities. While the CJP is seeking the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over alleged irregularities in the electoral-roll revision process, the police have cited compliance concerns in explaining their decision.
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Dilip Ghosh’s remarks reflect the BJP’s opposition to the planned demonstration, while Ramchandra Rao questioned the criticism directed at authorities over restrictions on political gatherings.
With additional security personnel deployed, traffic checks underway, metro services restricted at multiple stations and internet curbs imposed in parts of central Delhi, the authorities maintained heightened security ahead of the proposed protest. The developments have placed the planned demonstration and the controversy surrounding permission, public order and electoral-roll revision at the centre of political attention.
