New Delhi | October 10, 2026
Delhi has deployed more than 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel ahead of a planned demonstration by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against the Election Commission. Security measures include body-worn cameras, drones, facial recognition systems and extensive barricading across the capital. The protest organisers are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the revision of electoral rolls.
Body Cameras and Surveillance Measures
Delhi Police personnel have been equipped with body cameras, including devices capable of recording in low-light conditions. Authorities have also planned additional CCTV monitoring, facial recognition systems and rooftop surveillance to track crowd movement and document police-protester interactions.
Metro Closures and Detention Centres
Police have tightened security at Delhi’s entry points and established designated detention centres to manage people detained during unauthorised demonstrations. Reports said 46 metro stations were closed as part of the security arrangements, alongside traffic restrictions and additional deployment in central Delhi.
CJP Criticises Government Response
CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke criticised the restrictions, accusing the government of acting against its own citizens. The party has maintained that it intends to proceed with the demonstration despite police denying permission.
Authorities have said the restrictions are intended to maintain public order and prevent disturbances. The dispute centres on the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which opposition groups say risks excluding eligible voters. The Commission maintains that voter-list verification is part of its electoral responsibilities.
Security and Civil Liberties in Focus
The extensive deployment highlights the challenge of balancing public safety with the right to peaceful assembly. Body-camera footage may provide a record of interactions during crowd control, while the scale of restrictions has prompted debate over protest access and policing.
