Delhi Police Tighten Security Ahead of INDIA Bloc Protest

Security was tightened around Connaught Place in Delhi on Thursday as opposition INDIA bloc leaders prepared for another protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The opposition leaders have planned a lunch at Moets restaurant in Connaught Place before beginning their protest. Following the announcement, Delhi Police deployed two teams to K Block of Connaught Place to secure the area and the restaurant, officials said.

Paramilitary forces are also being deployed in the area amid concerns that the leaders could attempt to move towards Jantar Mantar or the Election Commission office, where the opposition had protested earlier.

The Indian Youth Congress has separately announced a march from the Rajghat area. Security personnel have been deployed there along with local police. A senior police officer said it was not immediately clear whether the opposition leaders would proceed towards Rajghat or attempt to reach Jantar Mantar.

The heightened security comes a day after a similar protest in central Delhi ended in a confrontation between opposition MPs and police.

On Wednesday, INDIA bloc leaders gathered for lunch at Sagar Ratna in Janpath before attempting to travel towards Jantar Mantar. The MPs reportedly boarded three buses, but police stopped them near the Le Meridien hotel.

The attempted march led to clashes between protesters and police. An FIR was subsequently registered against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

The opposition has continued to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with INDIA bloc leaders raising concerns over issues related to the Election Commission.

With another round of demonstrations planned for Thursday, Delhi Police have increased security at key locations in central Delhi and are closely monitoring possible routes towards Jantar Mantar and the Election Commission’s office.

The deployment of paramilitary forces is aimed at preventing any escalation and maintaining law and order if protesters attempt to move beyond the permitted areas.