Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Connaught Place Shops to Close Ahead of Anti-EC Protest
Shops and other businesses in Connaught Place were told to close on Saturday.
This was because a protest was expected nearby in Delhi.
The Cockroach Janta Party planned to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar.
The party wanted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
The traders’ group said it was following advice from authorities.
It also warned that protests could lead to injuries or damage to property.
Police and paramilitary forces were sent to central Delhi.
More than 20,000 personnel were deployed, and extra forces were assigned to important roads.
Connaught Place shops, offices, restaurants and other establishments were advised to remain closed on Saturday.
The New Delhi Traders Association said it acted on advice from authorities and concerns about the situation.
The Cockroach Janta Party planned a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
The traders’ circular cited possible property damage and injuries during the expected demonstrations.
More than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across central Delhi, with additional forces assigned to key roads.
- Who
- The New Delhi Traders Association issued the advisory; the Cockroach Janta Party planned the protest.
- What
- Connaught Place establishments were advised to close ahead of an expected protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
- When
- Saturday, 10 October 2026; the advisory was issued on Friday.
- Where
- Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, with security deployments across central Delhi.
- Why
- The association cited advice from authorities and concerns about possible property damage or injuries during expected protests.
Protest organizers
Traders and authorities
Protest and public safety
Protest organizers
The Cockroach Janta Party planned a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, demanding the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation.
Traders and authorities
The NDTA urged establishments to close and remain vigilant, citing potential injury and property damage; authorities strengthened security.
- Closure advisory
- Shops, offices, restaurants and other Connaught Place establishments were advised to remain shut on Saturday.
- Advisory issuer
- New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA)
- NDTA president
- Atul Bhargava
- Protest location
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Protest demand
- Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Security deployment
- More than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel across central Delhi
- Additional security
- Additional Central Armed Police Forces contingents were mobilised to man key roads.