09 October,2026 08:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ahead of the proposed protest, Indian Railways on Friday announced changes to several Delhi-bound trains departing from Mumbai and other cities. (PICS/ ASHISH RAJE)
The Nationalist Congress Party (SP) on Friday accused the BJP-led government of suppressing citizens' voices by rescheduling trains to Delhi and allegedly detaining people travelling to the national capital to participate in the CJP October 10 protest.
In a statement, NCP (SP) national spokesperson and secretary Clyde Crasto claimed the move was aimed at preventing people from fighting for their fundamental rights, PTI reported.
Questioning the BJP's support for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who has faced Opposition criticism over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Crasto said, "The extent to which the BJP is protecting the CEC raises one question: do they fear he will spill the beans?"
He accused the government of disregarding the Constitution and democratic principles by allegedly depriving citizens of their fundamental rights. He also demanded that what he termed the government's "dictatorial behaviour" be stopped.
Separately, NCP (SP) leader Mahesh Tapase criticised the decision to close entry and exit gates at 57 Delhi Metro Stations and impose restrictions at major railway stations in the national capital ahead of the proposed demonstration, PTI reported.
Tapase also questioned the deployment of more than 20,000 security personnel, alleging that the measures were intended to restrict demonstrators.
He claimed the restrictions were an attempt by the ruling dispensation to divert attention from issues such as youth unemployment and electoral transparency.
Tapase said the proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar, spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), reflected growing public anger among ordinary citizens, farmers, women and unemployed youth.
Questioning the government's economic performance, he alleged that it had failed to generate employment and was instead relying on divisive rhetoric. He maintained that thousands of young people would continue to travel to Delhi to demand accountability despite the security arrangements, PTI reported.
Ahead of the proposed protest, Western Railway (WR) on Friday announced changes to several Delhi-bound trains departing from Mumbai and other cities.
The Mumbai Central - New Delhi Rajdhani Express (12951) and the Mumbai Central - Hazrat Nizamuddin August Kranti Rajdhani Express (12953) have been rescheduled by five hours. The Bandra Terminus - Hazrat Nizamuddin Express (12247) has been cancelled.
WR also announced the cancellation of the Dr Ambedkar Nagar - New Delhi Express (20155), Indore - Hazrat Nizamuddin Express (09309), Indore - New Delhi Express (12415) and Sabarmati - New Delhi Express (12957).
According to Western Railway, the changes were made following a communication from the Railway Board in view of anticipated severe road traffic congestion around New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Stations on October 10.
Western Railway, headquartered in Mumbai, covers Gujarat and parts of Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced on Friday that entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations would remain closed from 9 pm on Friday until further notice due to security reasons ahead of the CJP October 10 protest
The restrictions will continue on October 10. Interchange facilities will remain available at all affected stations, except New Delhi Metro Station, according to the DMRC.
The CJP and several student organisations have called for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Saturday.
The protesters' demands include the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, a freeze on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a halt to upcoming elections, restoration of the January 2025 voters' list and repeal of the 2023 law governing appointments to the Election Commission.
They have also called for an independent and credible process for appointing Election Commission officials.
(With PTI inputs)
