Delhi Metro Closes Six Stations as Protests Against CEC Intensify

⚡ Key Financial Takeaways

Entry and exit at Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Barakhamba Road were suspended from 6 am to 4 pm.

The closures were ordered by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to facilitate a Congress‑led protest march to the Supreme Court.

CJP leaders plan a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar and have requested police permission within 24 hours.

Delhi Police have deployed barricades, increased security at Connaught Place and issued a traffic advisory for the day.

An FIR has been registered against AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, over a complaint about alleged disruption at Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.

💡 Why It Matters

The closures and heightened security measures illustrate the intensity of the current political unrest in Delhi, centred on the demand for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. For commuters, the disruptions underscore the tangible impact of national political events on daily life. For the authorities, the situation highlights the challenge of balancing public order with the right to protest.

Delhi Metro shuts six stations amid security alert

On Monday, 12 October 2026, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that entry and exit points at six major stations would remain closed from 6 am until 4 pm. The affected stations—Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Barakhamba Road—were chosen because of their proximity to the planned protest route of the Congress‑led INDIA bloc, which is marching to the Supreme Court to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The DMRC confirmed that interchange facilities at these stations would stay operational, allowing commuters to transfer between lines, but all other access points would be shut to prevent crowding and to give law‑enforcement agencies room to manage the demonstration.

Police mobilise and issue traffic advisory

Ahead of the march, Delhi Police set up barricades at Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar, the traditional site for political rallies. The police also deployed additional security personnel around the Mandi House area, where Congress workers had gathered earlier in the day.

The Delhi Traffic Police released a traffic advisory on the same day, warning that roads could be congested and that diversions would be implemented from 6 am, depending on the evolving situation. The advisory specifically mentioned that commuters should expect disruptions on several stretches of the capital’s road network.

CJP leaders plan a protest at Jantar Mantar

CJP (Cockroach Janta Party) leaders Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das and Ratna Singh announced on X that they would visit the Parliamentary Street Police Station at 10 am to request a date for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar. They warned that if the police did not grant a date within 24 hours, the party would call for another protest.

Legal action against AAP leaders

In a separate development, Delhi Police registered an FIR against AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, following a complaint by the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee. The complaint alleged that the AAP leaders had disrupted the premises of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and circulated misleading videos on social media. Police are currently examining the video footage submitted with the complaint.

Impact on commuters

The temporary closure of six metro stations is expected to cause inconvenience for daily commuters, especially those who rely on the affected lines for work or education. The DMRC has urged passengers to use alternate stations or modes of transport and to check the official DMRC website or X account for real‑time updates.

What to watch

- The outcome of the CJP’s request for a protest date at Jantar Mantar. - Any further security measures or station closures announced by the DMRC or Delhi Police. - The progress of the Congress‑led protest march to the Supreme Court and any potential escalation. - Updates on the FIR against AAP leaders and the investigation into the Bangla Sahib incident.

These developments will shape the political and security landscape in Delhi over the coming days.

🏛️ Background & Context

The protests are part of a broader movement led by the Congress and allied parties, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar amid allegations of electoral malpractices. The Delhi Metro’s decision to close stations is a precautionary step taken by many transport authorities worldwide during large‑scale demonstrations to ensure safety and order.

👁️ What To Watch Next

Observers should monitor the Delhi Police’s response to the CJP’s protest request, any changes to the protest route or timing, and the DMRC’s subsequent announcements regarding station reopenings. Additionally, the legal proceedings against AAP leaders may influence the political narrative in the capital.