Lehra Do Tiranga Today: CJP's 5 PM Gathering at Delhi's Central Park — Traffic, Curbs and What to Expect
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called a "Lehra Do Tiranga" (Wave the Tricolour) gathering at Central Park in Delhi's Connaught Place at 5 PM today, Friday, October 16, to protest the jailing of two of its leaders. Delhi is responding with a full security drill: Central Park is shut for two days, 20 roads around Connaught Place face restrictions from 3 PM, Section 163 of the BNSS is in force, and police have installed fresh CCTV cameras expecting a crowd of 30,000 to 50,000. Founder Abhijeet Dipke says he is "ready to go to jail" and that the march will go ahead despite denied permission.
Here is everything confirmed so far this morning about the gathering, the restrictions, and what Delhi should expect this evening.
Traffic Alert: 20 Roads Around Connaught Place Restricted From 3 PM
Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory warning that around 20 key routes and stretches around Connaught Place will be affected from 3 PM onwards today in view of the Tiranga march. Dynamic diversions may be imposed through the afternoon depending on ground conditions.
- Roads to avoid: Sansad Marg, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, Panchkuian Road, Basant Lane, Chelmsford Road, Minto Road, Barakhamba Road, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Janpath, Rafi Marg, C-Hexagon, Mandi House, Patel Chowk, Windsor Place, Gole Dak Khana, Ashok Road (from GPO to C-Hexagon), Tilak Marg, Tolstoy Marg and Sikandra Road.
- Commuter advice: Plan journeys in advance, allow extra time, use public transport where possible, and follow Delhi Traffic Police's official social media handles and on-ground personnel for real-time diversions.
What's Happening at 5 PM: Park Shut, Section 163, Group of 11
- Park closed: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has closed Central Park to the general public on October 16 and 17, citing "administrative reasons". NDMC has asked Delhi Police to prevent unauthorised access to the park.
- Prohibitory orders: Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is in force in Connaught Place and adjoining areas, restricting large public gatherings.
- The "group of 11" offer: Delhi Police has said it could facilitate a select group of 11 people to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location, even as it urged citizens to stay away from the main gathering.
- Heavy deployment: More than 10 new CCTV cameras have been installed in and around Central Park to record the gathering and collect evidence if needed. Police expect 30,000 to 50,000 people and have deployed paramilitary personnel with barricades at key locations. An extension of 273 Central Armed Police Forces companies in the capital has been sought till October 20.
- Court stand: The Delhi High Court on Thursday declined to restrain the CJP from holding the gathering, after a Palika Bazar vendor's plea raised disruption concerns. Police assured the court it would take "all possible measures" to maintain order; the matter will be heard next on November 3.
- Traders worried: Trader and market associations in Connaught Place have written to police seeking protection for their shops against unlawful assemblies during the festive season.
Dipke's Latest: "Ready to Go to Jail", IB Surveillance Claim
Abhijeet Dipke, the CJP founder, told reporters on Thursday that hoisting the national flag is "not a crime" and that the event would proceed — shortly before he was escorted away. In fresh remarks reported this morning, Dipke claimed that vehicles without number plates were following him, alleged that Intelligence Bureau personnel had been asking about him at his residence, and said he was aware Delhi Police might detain him before the march — but that the possibility of arrest would not stop him from taking part.
Dipke has also questioned the crackdown in sharply political terms, asking why so much force is being used against people waving the national flag, and suggesting the march could be repeated across many locations if it is blocked. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has extended support to the CJP's "Tiranga Lehrao" call, and reports say the party has received approval for a similar protest at Mumbai's Azad Maidan.
Why the CJP Is Calling It
On October 14, CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to five-day judicial custody after entering Jantar Mantar — now denotified as a protest site — on October 13. Police allege they trespassed through private premises, violated bonds requiring them to maintain peace, and used social media to instigate others. A third leader, Ajinkya Shinde, was bound down for six months to maintain peace and released on a personal bond.
Dipke has rejected the police version, calling the custody unjustified detention of young men for waving the national flag. The party's core demands remain the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and a halt to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Reports also note the party has announced a nationwide campaign push from October 23 around these demands.
How the Week Escalated
- October 10: The CJP, with Opposition parties, planned a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the CEC's resignation. Police detained thousands through the day — reports put the number at over 7,000 — including Dipke, Das, Ranka, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and several opposition leaders. The Supreme Court Bar Association appealed after lawyers were detained, and the Chief Justice of India communicated that detained lawyers should be released.
- October 13: 14 CJP members entered the denotified Jantar Mantar area again; all were detained, and two FIRs were registered at Connaught Place and Parliament Street stations.
- October 14: Das and Ranka were remanded to five-day judicial custody in Tihar; Dipke called for the October 16 "Lehra Do Tiranga" gathering.
- October 15: NDMC shut Central Park for two days; the High Court declined to halt Friday's gathering; police went on high alert; Congress leader Rahul Gandhi backed the protesters, questioning when waving the tricolour became a crime.
- October 16 (morning): Delhi Traffic Police issued the advisory restricting 20 roads around Connaught Place from 3 PM; police confirmed the "group of 11" facilitation offer and fresh CCTV surveillance at Central Park.
What Is the CJP?
The Cockroach Janta Party is a relatively new, youth-led political outfit founded by Abhijeet Dipke, who says he returned to India from the United States to fight for free and fair elections. Its deliberately provocative name reportedly traces back to a May 2026 youth-led movement that began after remarks by Chief Justice Surya Kant comparing some unemployed young people and activists to cockroaches. The party describes itself as a movement using satire on issues including unemployment, exam irregularities and electoral reforms. It is not a registered political party.
Both Sides, in Brief
The CJP's argument: Waving the national flag and demanding electoral reforms is a democratic right; detaining and jailing protesters for it is disproportionate and suppresses dissent.
The police's argument: The law applies equally — Jantar Mantar is no longer a protest site, the group entered without authorisation through private premises, violated peace bonds, and encouraged others online to break the law. Preventive action, including prohibitory orders and closures, is necessary to maintain public order during the festive season.
Watch: CJP Chief's Tiranga March Call
India Today's report on Dipke's Tiranga March call for October 16:
What to Watch Today
- Whether supporters reach Central Park despite the two-day closure — and how police respond.
- Dipke's own presence: he has indicated he could be arrested over the protest call.
- The traffic situation around Connaught Place from 3 PM onwards — check Delhi Traffic Police updates before travelling.
- The parallel approved gathering at Mumbai's Azad Maidan, and whether other cities see similar marches.
- Any escalation on the streets versus the legal track — the High Court hears the matter next on November 3.
Lehra Do Tiranga: FAQs
What is the "Lehra Do Tiranga" gathering?
A CJP-called demonstration at 5 PM on October 16 at Central Park, Connaught Place, Delhi, asking people to gather with the national flag to protest the jailing of two party leaders.
Is Central Park open today?
No. The NDMC has closed Central Park to the general public on October 16 and 17, citing "administrative reasons".
Which roads are restricted and from when?
About 20 roads around Connaught Place — including Sansad Marg, Janpath, Minto Road, Barakhamba Road and the Mandi House area — face restrictions or diversions from 3 PM today. Commuters should use public transport and follow Delhi Traffic Police advisories.
Has the police given permission?
No. Delhi Police has denied permission for the main Delhi gathering, citing Section 163 prohibitory orders, but says a small group of 11 people could be facilitated to wave the flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location.
Why are CJP leaders in jail?
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to five-day judicial custody on October 14 after entering the denotified Jantar Mantar protest site on October 13. Police allege trespass, bond violations and social-media instigation; the party calls the arrests unjustified.
What is the SIR of electoral rolls?
The Special Intensive Revision is an exercise to update and verify voter lists. The CJP alleges irregularities in the process and wants it halted; the Election Commission maintains such revisions are routine.
Note: This is a developing story. Details are based on official statements and media reports as of the morning of October 16; the situation may change through the day.
🔴 UPDATE (Oct 16, evening): CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and AISA leader Neha Bora were detained by Delhi Police ahead of the march. Read the full story here