Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Centre Asks States to Prevent Protesters Travelling to Delhi
A group called the Cockroach Janta Party plans to protest in Delhi on Saturday.
It wants Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
The Home Ministry asked states and Union Territories to help Delhi Police stop people from travelling to the capital for the protest.
Officials said they were concerned that the gathering could cause trouble and that some protesters might defy orders.
Delhi Police did not approve the organisers’ request to protest at Jantar Mantar.
Authorities have also announced several restrictions in Delhi.
The organisers described the measures as intimidation.
The protest follows other demonstrations about the Election Commission and its handling of voter-roll revisions.
The Union Home Ministry asked states and Union Territories to help Delhi Police prevent protesters from travelling to the capital.
The planned Saturday protest is led by the Cockroach Janta Party and seeks Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
The ministry cited possible law-and-order risks and intelligence suggesting supporters may try to enter Delhi despite prohibitory orders.
Delhi Police rejected the organisers’ request to hold the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, according to the reports cited.
Authorities have imposed restrictions including detentions, train cancellations, metro station closures and suspended mobile internet in central Delhi.
- Who
- The Union Home Ministry, state and Union Territory authorities, Delhi Police, and protesters led by the Cockroach Janta Party.
- What
- The ministry asked states and Union Territories to take preventive measures to stop protesters travelling to Delhi.
- When
- The request was reported on Friday; the planned protest is on Saturday.
- Where
- Delhi, with preventive measures requested across states and Union Territories.
- Why
- The ministry cited potential law-and-order concerns and intelligence suggesting protesters could defy prohibitory orders and attempt to enter Delhi.
Authorities’ concerns
Organisers’ position
Preventive restrictions
Authorities’ concerns
The ministry said preventive measures were needed to address potential law-and-order risks, prevent breaches of public tranquillity and protect critical infrastructure.
Organisers’ position
The organisers described the authorities’ measures to stop protesters gathering in Delhi as intimidation.
Protest permission
Authorities’ concerns
Delhi Police rejected the organisers’ request to hold the demonstration at Jantar Mantar; the ministry cited alleged past non-compliance and disruption during an earlier protest.
Organisers’ position
The group plans a demonstration demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, though the article does not provide further details of its response to the rejection.
- Protest date
- Saturday
- Protest demand
- Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Organiser
- Cockroach Janta Party
- Requested venue
- Jantar Mantar; Delhi Police rejected the organisers’ request
- Ministry official
- Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan
- Reported restrictions
- Detentions, train cancellations, closure of 45 metro stations and suspension of mobile internet in central Delhi
- Coordination requested
- Real-time intelligence sharing among state agencies, transit authorities and Delhi Police