NDMC Closes Connaught Place’s Central Park For Two Days Ahead Of CJP Protest

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that Central Park in Connaught Place will remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17, citing administrative reasons. The move comes ahead of a proposed “Lehra Do Tiranga” demonstration called by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke.

In a public notice issued on October 15, the civic body said Central Park would remain closed to the general public on Friday and Saturday. Senior NDMC officials declined to comment on the specific reasons for the closure.

Dipke has urged supporters to gather at the park with the national flag at 5 pm on Friday. The announcement came a day after the Delhi High Court declined to restrain the CJP from holding the demonstration, recording the Delhi Police’s assurance that it would take all possible measures to maintain law and order.

NDMC To Shut All Five Gates Of Central Park

Located above the Rajiv Chowk Metro station, Central Park spans approximately 41,500 square metres. It features four water bodies, a 350-seat amphitheatre and a monumental Indian flag mounted on a 207-foot-high mast. The park is maintained by the NDMC’s horticulture department.

An NDMC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the civic body had received instructions from senior authorities to close the park. All five gates will remain shut during the two-day closure.

The official also highlighted challenges in managing the proposed gathering, pointing to the park’s low boundary railing, which is around three to four feet high.

The monumental flag installation, located near the park’s corner and close to the inner-circle road, could attract protesters, the official said, adding that maintaining law and order would be the responsibility of the police.

The park’s amphitheatre is frequently used for government functions and social and cultural programmes, while the green space draws large crowds, particularly on weekends.

Connaught Place Traders Welcome Closure

Atul Bhargava of the New Delhi Traders Association welcomed the decision to close the park but expressed concern that the proposed demonstration could disrupt commercial activity in Connaught Place.

“Connaught Place is a commercial centre and not a protest site,” Bhargava said, adding that the market would remain open on Friday.

He said traders had also met Delhi Police officials to raise concerns about the potential impact of demonstrations on businesses, particularly during the festive season.

While welcoming the closure of Central Park, Bhargava cautioned that protesters could move towards surrounding roads, making security arrangements crucial.

“CP is open from all sides, and it is very difficult to check movement in such cases,” he said.

Delhi Police officials have been reviewing security arrangements for the proposed gathering, including the possibility of traffic restrictions and diversions in Connaught Place and other parts of central Delhi.

Delhi High Court Declines To Restrain CJP Protest

The NDMC’s announcement came hours after the Delhi High Court declined to issue an order preventing the CJP and Dipke from holding the proposed demonstration.

The court recorded the Delhi Police’s assurance that it would take all possible measures, in accordance with the law, to regulate the gathering and maintain order.

The court was hearing a petition filed by a street vendor at Palika Bazar, who expressed concerns that the demonstration could disrupt commercial activity and affect the livelihoods of traders and vendors during the festive season.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 3.

Why Is CJP Planning The ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ March?

Dipke called for the demonstration to protest the arrest of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. The two activists were placed in five days of judicial custody and lodged in Tihar Jail following their arrest over alleged trespassing at Jantar Mantar and waving the national flag.

CJP members allegedly breached barricades and raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police cited alleged violations of prohibitory orders in connection with the arrests.

Dipke has maintained that waving the national flag is not a crime and urged supporters to organise similar demonstrations in other cities.

The proposed gathering comes amid protests by opposition parties, student groups and activists over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Election Commission has denied allegations that the exercise was intended to favour the ruling BJP.

Jantar Mantar No Longer A Designated Protest Site

The proposed demonstration also comes days after Delhi Police denotified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site and identified three alternative venues for demonstrations: Ramlila Maidan in central Delhi, Burari Ground in north Delhi and CBD Ground in Shahdara in east Delhi.

The decision followed an October 9 Supreme Court order calling for suitable alternative locations where people could exercise their right to protest without compromising public safety.

Delhi Police informed the Delhi High Court about the denotification on October 12.

Security And Traffic Restrictions Under Review

Delhi Police officials have been reviewing security arrangements for the proposed march, including possible traffic restrictions and diversions around Connaught Place.

The preparations come amid heightened security concerns following recent demonstrations in the capital and a broader dispute over designated protest venues.

With Central Park scheduled to remain closed for two days, authorities are preparing to manage the potential gathering while seeking to prevent disruptions to traffic, businesses and public order.