A political protest in Delhi entered its third day on October 8, disrupting traffic across central parts of the city as opposition leaders and supporters moved towards Rajghat to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police barricading and security deployments closed several routes, leaving commuters facing long vehicle queues and significant delays.
The India bloc leaders’ march towards Rajghat led to restrictions on roads around Connaught Place and other central Delhi locations. The Outer Circle of Connaught Place was barricaded and closed near the Moitos restaurant, according to Jagran – New Delhi. The closure contributed to congestion on surrounding roads as vehicles were diverted or held back.
Large groups of political workers, leaders, police personnel and media representatives gathered in the area. Paramilitary personnel were deployed near Connaught Place, while police maintained security arrangements along routes connected to the protest. Drone surveillance was also being used to monitor the movement of people and vehicles.
The disruption extended beyond the immediate protest locations. Long lines of vehicles were reported near areas where the leaders’ convoy and security forces assembled. Police subsequently closed routes leading towards Rajghat as the opposition leaders’ convoy reached the memorial. Protesters were also seen passing in front of the Civic Centre.
The traffic restrictions affected people travelling through central Delhi, including passengers heading to railway stations. Some railway passengers who had remained stuck in traffic for hours reportedly abandoned vehicles and continued their journeys on foot. The incident highlights how road closures around high-security political gatherings can quickly affect access to transport hubs and ordinary city movement.
The protest was organised around the opposition’s demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and other opposition leaders were reported to be part of the movement towards Rajghat. Separate political activity was also reported near the Congress headquarters, where Delhi BJP Mahila Morcha workers protested over an allegation concerning Rahul Gandhi’s conduct towards a woman constable.
Police remained deployed across the affected areas as the leaders and supporters gathered and moved through central Delhi. The reported closures and security arrangements continued to shape traffic conditions on the routes around Connaught Place, the Civic Centre and Rajghat.
