What Sparked the Flash Protests in Connaught Place? CJP Activists Demand Election Chief's Resignation!

In New Delhi, a vibrant protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student activists unfolded in Connaught Place, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. With a significant police presence, demonstrators carried the national flag and voiced their concerns over electoral issues. The protests disrupted local businesses and drew attention from various political leaders. Amidst chants and placards, the event highlighted the growing discontent among youth regarding electoral integrity. As tensions rose, police worked to manage the crowds, leading to minor altercations. This protest reflects a broader call for accountability within the electoral system.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 16, 2026, 21:49 IST

Massive Protests Erupt in New Delhi

New Delhi: A vibrant display of the national flag filled Connaught Place, Palika Bazaar, and Mandi House on Friday as numerous supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student activists engaged in spontaneous protests, calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amidst a significant police presence.

Protesters, brandishing a large Tricolour, circled the inner circle of Connaught Place, while others climbed barricades, waving flags, banners, and placards.

Chants of 'Jai Hind', 'Inquilab Zindabad', and 'Gyanesh Kumar, it's your turn now' echoed throughout the bustling commercial area as demonstrators moved from one spot to another, dispersing and regrouping while police attempted to manage the crowd.

The protests, coupled with heavy security, disrupted business operations in Connaught Place and Palika Bazaar, leading to frustration among local traders over the impact on their sales.

Police officers navigated through the inner circle of Connaught Place to disperse the crowds and alleviate traffic congestion.

Among the demonstrators was 21-year-old Taksh, a student from DY Patil University in Mumbai, who stood out in a red lehenga, holding a placard that read, 'Gyanesh Kumar, resign quickly, the wedding date is approaching.'

Taksh mentioned he had been in Delhi for a month to join the protests while attending his classes online.

'I bought this red lehenga for Rs 2,000,' he noted, distinguishing himself from other protesters dressed in casual attire and waving national flags.

Protesters displayed placards with messages like 'End SIR, stop vote theft', 'Who deleted my vote?', and 'Police violence is not an accident'. Some sang the national anthem as they marched, while others voiced their grievances against the Election Commission, demanding accountability regarding the electoral roll revisions.

Students and members of the All India Students' Association (AISA) and the Students' Federation of India (SFI) also gathered at Mandi House, insisting on Kumar's resignation, a reversal of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and the repeal of the 2023 Election Commissioner Appointment Act.

Leftist leaders, including MPs John Brittas and Sandosh Kumar, joined the march alongside the Democratic Youth Federation of India.

Minor clashes occurred between protesters and police as officers worked to disperse the crowds. Journalists and independent YouTube reporters were present to cover the events, with some independent journalists facing harassment.

These demonstrations were organized in response to the CJP's call for a 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march, which was planned for Central Park in Connaught Place at 5 PM.

However, police denied permission for the march, citing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which restrict mass gatherings in Connaught Place and surrounding areas.

Central Park was closed to the public on both Friday and Saturday as security measures were heightened. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was detained while attempting to leave his residence in Jhandewalan to participate in the protest.

Over 6,000 personnel from the Delhi Police and 220 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), each consisting of around 100 members, were deployed in New Delhi to maintain order.