Delhi Security Tightened, Traffic Curbs Ahead Of INDIA Bloc March To ECI

Security was stepped up and traffic restrictions imposed across central Delhi on Tuesday ahead of the INDIA bloc’s proposed march from Parliament to the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and demands for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

According to police, the march is scheduled to begin at 11am, with Opposition MPs expected to walk from Parliament towards the ECI headquarters. The Congress had also announced on Monday that its MPs would participate in the protest.

Traffic Restrictions From 8am

The Delhi Traffic Police said traffic would be regulated and diverted from 8am in and around Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, Parliament Street, the Patel Chowk-GPO stretch, Windsor Place-GPO, Ashoka Road, Jantar Mantar Road and adjoining areas.

A senior police officer said elaborate security arrangements had been put in place along the proposed route, as well as around Parliament and the ECI headquarters, to prevent disruptions and maintain law and order.

“No permission has been granted for any such march or gathering,” the officer said.

“Security personnel have been deployed at all sensitive points, and barricades will be installed wherever required. We have made arrangements to regulate the movement of protesters and ensure that commuters are not inconvenienced. Any diversion will be implemented depending on the movement of the protesters,” the officer added.

Commuters Advised To Use Metro

The traffic police advised commuters to avoid non-essential travel through the affected areas, particularly during the morning hours, and use public transport, especially the Metro, wherever possible.

Commuters were also asked not to stop or park near restricted areas and to follow directions issued by traffic personnel and road signage.

Opposition Seeks Unhindered March

According to Hindustan Times, Opposition leaders had requested the police not to obstruct the proposed march, maintaining that the demonstration would be peaceful.

Around 4,000 personnel from the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed across the New Delhi district amid heightened security.

The deployment comes after demonstrations by civil society groups demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar began on October 2.