Connaught Place Park to Close Ahead of CJP Rally

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will close Connaught Place’s Central Park to the public on October 16 and 17, ahead of a planned rally by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The council’s notice, dated October 15, gives “administrative reasons” for the closure but does not provide further detail. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has called for a Lehra do Tiranga rally at the park on October 16 at 5 p.m. The gathering was proposed after CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were remanded to five days of judicial custody. Reports say they were accused of entering Jantar Mantar, violating bond conditions and obstructing police; the allegations have not been established in the material provided. CJP has said the rally is connected to their detention. Delhi Police said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita are in force in and around Connaught Place. Police urged the public not to join gatherings that breach the order and said legal action could follow violations. The force also said it might facilitate a group of 11 people at a suitable location to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem.