What are the CEC protests in New Delhi 2026?
Protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls are continuing in Central Delhi since 02 October 2026, centred at Jantar Mantar and Sansad Marg. Opposition MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, were detained on 06 and 07 October. Section 163 BNSS orders are in force in New Delhi district. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student groups have called a ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, 10 October. Delhi Police have refused permission, and about 26,000 central forces are deployed in Delhi for 08–12 October. Protests have also been held in Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Patna; solidarity gatherings in other metro cities are possible between 09 and 12 October.
When and where are the protests taking place?
The main protest site is Jantar Mantar, with the ‘Delhi Chalo’ call for 10 October. Other focal points include Sansad Marg (Parliament Street), Election Commission HQ (Nirvachan Sadan), Akashvani Bhawan, and Ashoka Road. Restrictions are in place: Jantar Mantar has a 10-day notice and 1,000-person cap; 12 metro stations were shut on 02 October; mobile internet was suspended around Connaught Place; and bus tracking and checks are in place at UP/Rajasthan entry points. Delhi Police have refused permission for the 10 October protest, and the site is fully barricaded. DMRC has warned that Central Delhi stations such as Rajiv Chowk and Patel Chowk may close at short notice.
What are the key impacts?
Road traffic in Central Delhi is high, with barricades and diversions around Jantar Mantar, Sansad Marg, Janpath, Ashoka Road and Connaught Place. Delhi Metro central stations face high risk of short-notice closures. Public order and law enforcement exposure is high. Offices and businesses in central Delhi face medium exposure, with restricted access and possible internet suspension around CP. Employee commute and NCR border crossings face medium exposure, with vehicle checks at UP, Punjab and Haryana entry points. Mobile internet in central Delhi is at medium risk of suspension. Other metro cities face medium risk of solidarity protests. Airport and intercity travel exposure is low, though New Delhi Railway Station may see crowding.
What should organisations and individuals do to prepare?
Organisations should activate civil-unrest monitoring for Delhi NCR and review the situation at least twice daily through 12 October, using Delhi Police, Delhi Traffic Police and DMRC updates. Pre-approve remote working for staff based in or commuting through Connaught Place, Janpath, Sansad Marg and the wider New Delhi district. Review employee transport routing to avoid Jantar Mantar, Sansad Marg, Ashoka Road, Janpath and Tolstoy Marg. Plan for central metro closures: brief staff not to rely on Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk or Central Secretariat stations on 10 October. Prepare for possible mobile internet suspension around CP. Extend monitoring to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Chennai for solidarity protests. Individuals should avoid Jantar Mantar, Sansad Marg, Ashoka Road, Janpath, Connaught Place and India Gate on 10 October. Do not join, stop near or film protest gatherings; Section 163 BNSS orders are in force. Check Delhi Traffic Police and DMRC updates before travelling. Carry identification and expect vehicle checks at Delhi’s borders. Use official channels in an emergency: dial 112 for police, fire and ambulance.
Frequently asked questions
When is the CEC protest in New Delhi?
The ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest is called for Saturday, 10 October 2026, with protests ongoing since 02 October.
Which areas in Delhi are most affected?
Jantar Mantar, Sansad Marg, Ashoka Road, Janpath, Connaught Place, and Central Secretariat are most affected. Metro stations including Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk and Central Secretariat may close.
What are the emergency contact numbers for Delhi?
Emergency Response Support System (ERSS): 112. Police: 100. Fire: 101. Ambulance: 102. Women helpline: 1091. Child helpline: 1098. District disaster control room: 1077.
Download the full advisory now
datasurfr’s Special Advisory on the CEC Protests in New Delhi carries the complete impact assessment, the full list of affected areas, and a detailed contacts directory. Download the full advisory now to brief your travel and continuity teams.
Filed under: India-South AsiaThreat Intelligence Special Reports
