Security arrangements were tightened across central Delhi on Monday as Opposition parties under the INDIA bloc prepared to march from Connaught Place towards the Supreme Court to protest alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demand action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Congress workers gathered at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters and raised slogans against the Chief Election Commissioner ahead of the proposed march. The demonstration is part of the INDIA bloc’s continuing campaign against the electoral roll revision exercise.
Congress MP Karamvir Singh Boudh said the march was aimed at protecting the Constitution and seeking judicial intervention over concerns raised by the Opposition.
“All workers are coming to Delhi today to save the Constitution of the country. The Chief Justice is the guardian of the Constitution, and the Supreme Court is considered to be under his authority. It is his duty, along with the Supreme Court, to look into any instance where the Constitution is being disregarded, or actions are being taken against its provisions,” Boudh told IANS.
With a potentially large gathering expected, traffic restrictions, diversions and barricades were likely to affect several key roads across the national capital.
The Delhi Traffic Police warned commuters of possible disruptions in New Delhi and central Delhi from 6 a.m. on Monday. According to its advisory, restrictions or diversions could be imposed at around 30 locations to regulate traffic and maintain security during the proposed demonstration.
Among the major roads and intersections likely to be affected were the Dhaula Kuan flyover, Jhandewalan, Patel Chowk, Panchkuian, Connaught Place, Mandi House, Lodhi Road flyover, Bhikaji Cama Place and Moti Bagh flyover.
Commuters were also advised to expect possible delays on Jantar Mantar Road, Ashoka Road, Sansad Marg and Tolstoy Marg. Authorities urged people to plan their journeys in advance and remain prepared for congestion, particularly while travelling through central Delhi.
Those heading to railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and the airport were advised to allow additional travel time and avoid unnecessary journeys through areas affected by the security arrangements.
Security deployment also continued around Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site in the capital. Barricades were seen blocking access roads to the area on Sunday, while police personnel remained stationed at key intersections to regulate movement and prevent unauthorised gatherings.
The heightened security comes amid the Opposition’s renewed push for judicial scrutiny of the SIR exercise and its allegations of irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls.
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