Delhi Metro Stations Closed Amid Cockroach Janta Party Protests at Jantar Mantar

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Wednesday said several metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk and Central Secretariat Metro stations have been closed until further notice due to security reasons, amid protests at Jantar Mantar led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

However, interchange facility at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat remain operational, said DMRC.

The Delhi Metro announced the closures in an updated statement posted on X.

CJP protesters continued their sit-in at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday as security was heightened in the central Delhi area.

The metro station closures come days after the party's July 20 protest march in the national capital.

A few minutes later, DMRC announced further closure of 16 metro stations, clarifying that interchange facility shall remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat. Here is the updated list issued by the Delhi Metro authorities:

1. Lok Kalyan Marg 2. Rajiv Chowk 3. Patel Chowk 4. Ramakrishna Ashram Marg 5. Barakhambha Road 6. Supreme Court 7. Seva Teerth 8. Janpath 9. Mandi House 10. Central Secretariat 11. ITO 12. Delhi Gate 13. Indraprastha 14. Khan Market 15. Jor Bagh 16. Shivaji Stadium

CJP alleges police action during 'Sansad Chalo'march

Speaking to ANI, CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka described the agitation as "the biggest movement in India's post-independence history" and claimed protesters had been holding a peaceful sit-in for the past 31 days, following the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar.

He alleged that the July 20 march was peaceful until police used force against protesters and claimed that students were assaulted during the demonstration.

Speaking to PTI, Ranka said, "The youth of this country will no longer remain silent. We have been distracted by too many unnecessary issues. Now we are standing up for the real issues, and we are not going to back down."

Party reiterates demands, warns of bigger protest

Ranka warned that the party would escalate its agitation if the Centre did not accept its demands, saying the July 20 protest was "just a trailer" and that "millions more" would come to Delhi if the government failed to act.

He reiterated the party's demand that no FIRs, including any future cases, be lodged against protesters, saying the agitation would not end unless the demand was met.

Referring to earlier remarks by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, Ranka said the party leadership was prepared to face legal action under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the National Security Act (NSA), calling imprisonment "a small price to pay" for the movement.

Ranka also appealed to people across political parties, including the BJP, to support the protest, saying the movement's demands were "genuine" and that the party welcomed support from all sections.