In the capital New Delhi, signs are emerging that the ‘Anti-Sir’ movement is likely to intensify. Despite prohibitory orders being imposed at Jantar Mantar, large numbers of protesters are trying to reach the area, while security forces have also been deployed in strength to stop them. As leaders of parties belonging to the INDIA bloc have decided to march from Parliament to the Election Commission office on Tuesday in protest against vote theft, the authorities have made elaborate security arrangements. With barricades being erected on several routes leading to Jantar Mantar and thousands of police personnel and other forces being deployed, the situation resembles a war-like atmosphere. Police said prohibitory orders have been imposed across New Delhi district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. With several roads around Jantar Mantar, including Tolstoy Marg, Sansad Marg, Janpath, Ashoka Road and others, being closed, commuters are facing severe difficulties as they do not know which route to take. Entry gates to metro railway stations have also been closed at several places. Barricades have been set up right at the beginning of Sansad Marg to prevent the opposition parties from proceeding from Parliament’s Makar Gate via Transport Bhavan. Meanwhile, with the Cockroach Janata Party announcing that it will resume its protest demonstration at Jantar Mantar on the 10th of this month, Delhi is likely to turn into a battleground. The Supreme Court has agreed to take up for urgent hearing a petition filed by the Cockroach Janata Party seeking permission to hold a peaceful protest demonstration.
