Train cancellations and other strict curbs implemented ahead of the October 10 demonstration at Jantar Mantar have triggered a sharp political controversy in Delhi. The opposition has accused the government of suppressing democratic dissent, while the CPI(M) has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the restrictions.
The upcoming protest, called by the Cockroach Janta Party, demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Political leaders from the INDIA bloc and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke strongly criticized the cancellation of train services to Delhi, plans to shutter metro stations, and other security measures put in place ahead of the event.
Dipke condemned the transport suspensions on social media, questioning the scale of the disruptions and comparing the atmosphere to an emergency. Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien also highlighted specific train disruptions, sharing notices regarding the cancellation of Rajdhani Express services originating from Howrah and Sealdah.
Meanwhile, the CPI(M) announced that its general secretary, M.A. Baby, had filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the sweeping restrictions, which include halted train services, metro station closures, and internet shutdowns. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal was slated to represent Baby in the legal challenge.
The Railway Board defended its decision by citing anticipated road traffic congestion between the New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin terminals, stating that trains departing after a specified hour on October 9 and arriving during restricted windows on October 10 would be cancelled at their sources. Additionally, Delhi Police requested the closure of 57 metro stations and deployed over 30,000 security personnel across the capital.
Organizers further alleged that key party figures were targeted, claiming that national organization co-in-charge Deepak Baliyan had been placed under house arrest by police personnel. As tensions mounted ahead of the Jantar Mantar gathering, opposition figures and organizers continued to push back against the widespread security clampdown while pressing their demands for the election commissioner's resignation.