Security was stepped up across central Delhi on Tuesday as Opposition parties prepared to march from Parliament to the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters, seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and raising concerns over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.
The march is scheduled to begin at 11 am, with INDIA bloc MPs expected to walk towards the ECI office. The Congress had also announced on Monday that its MPs would join the demonstration.
Police said elaborate arrangements had been made along the proposed route, as well as around Parliament and the ECI headquarters. Barricades are expected to be placed at sensitive points to regulate the movement of protesters and maintain law and order.
"No permission has been granted for any such march or gathering," a senior police officer said.
Traffic restrictions from 8 am
The Delhi Traffic Police said restrictions and diversions would be put in place from 8am in several parts of central Delhi. The affected areas include Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, Parliament Street, the Patel Chowk-GPO stretch, Windsor Place-GPO, Ashoka Road, Jantar Mantar Road and adjoining roads.
Traffic movement will be regulated depending on the movement of protesters, police said. Commuters have been advised to avoid non-essential travel through these areas, particularly during the morning hours.
“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.
The traffic police has advised commuters to use public transport, especially the Metro, wherever possible. People have also been asked not to stop or park vehicles near restricted areas and to follow directions from traffic personnel and road signs.
Around 4,000 personnel deployed
Per a report by Hindustan Times, Opposition leaders had requested police not to obstruct the march, maintaining that it would be a peaceful demonstration.
Around 4,000 personnel from the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed across the New Delhi district. The heightened security comes amid demonstrations by civil society groups demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, which began on October 2.
The proposed march comes against the backdrop of the Opposition's continuing demands over electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission.