CJP protests: nearly 20,000 paramilitary personnel to remain in Delhi for a month

Authorities have decided to extend the deployment of nearly 20,000 paramilitary personnel in Delhi by another month amid protests led by CJP and Opposition and ahead of the festive season.

The extended deployment is intended to manage security during demonstrations and prepare for larger crowds at shopping centres, public venues and transport facilities during the festive period.

Security measures have also been stepped up to prevent unauthorised gatherings and potential disturbances, according to sources.

The move comes amid heightened tensions following protests by INDIA bloc leaders, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. On Monday, Opposition leaders marched towards the Supreme Court to file a petition against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Opposition had initially demanded Kumar's resignation over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. The campaign has since expanded, with leaders seeking to involve students and civil society organisations.

Delhi has also designated three new protest sites: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in east Delhi. Jantar Mantar, previously the designated protest venue in the high-security central zone, has been removed from the list.

NDTV reported, citing sources, that security audits of all three new venues have been completed.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened along Delhi's borders, at railway stations, bus terminals and other sensitive locations. Police have intensified vehicle checks at entry points and verification drives at hotels, guest houses, lodges and dharamshalas.

Thousands of Delhi Police personnel have been deployed across the city alongside paramilitary forces.

The New Delhi district has been divided into 20 zones. Joint commissioners, deputy commissioners and additional deputy commissioners are monitoring the security situation on the ground.