Security Tightened in Patna Ahead of CJP Protest in Delhi as NDA Leaders Defend Restrictions

Security arrangements have been strengthened in Patna ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Delhi, with police and paramilitary personnel deployed at key locations amid concerns over possible demonstrations and disruptions to public order.

The CJP is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

In Patna, Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed at Gandhi Maidan, while Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Bihar Police personnel have been stationed at J.P. Golambar. Barricades have also been erected at several locations across the city, with authorities remaining on alert.

Meanwhile, senior National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders defended the security measures, arguing that the administration had a responsibility to maintain law and order and protect public safety.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi criticised the protesters, alleging that previous demonstrations had involved clashes with police and attacks on journalists.

“This is a childish act. When they come to protest, bringing their people along, they fail to keep them under control. They assault the police and even attack female journalists,” Joshi said.

He further alleged that protesters had damaged public property and violated legal and police directives, describing their actions as attempts to create disorder. He said precautionary measures had been taken to address the situation.

BJP Lok Sabha MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy also defended the security arrangements, referring to incidents of arson in Bihar.

“We witnessed incidents of arson in Bihar as well. The government always makes necessary arrangements; if you challenge the government or obstruct law and order, it becomes the government’s duty to maintain order. I do not think this is anything unusual,” Rudy said.

Bihar minister Ramkripal Yadav backed the restrictions, questioning the standing of the CJP and accusing its members of disregarding democratic and legal norms. He referred to the group as an unregistered organisation and asserted that the Narendra Modi government would not be intimidated by protests.

“No power in the world has been able to intimidate the Narendra Modi government, nor will it ever be able to do so,” Yadav said.

Responding to reports of Metro service disruptions and train cancellations ahead of the protest, the minister argued that public safety had to take precedence.

“Granted, Metro services and 250 trains have been cancelled. But should the government not protect people’s lives? The government has taken this step to prevent any untoward incident caused by such unhinged individuals. Human life is invaluable, and the government’s decision reflects this; it is a welcome move,” he said.

Bihar minister Mithilesh Tiwari also addressed the Supreme Court’s observation that “one does not use a sledgehammer to kill a fly”, made in the context of the scale of the security response.

Tiwari said the government and its officials had taken the court’s observation seriously and were proceeding cautiously.

“Every word spoken by the Chief Justice is valuable to our government officials and to the government itself. So, do not worry; the government is handling every situation with great sensitivity,” he said.

Security arrangements remain in place in both Delhi and Patna as authorities prepare for possible demonstrations.

The disruption has also affected rail passengers. On Friday, four major trains operating between Patna and Delhi were cancelled ahead of the planned protest in the national Capital. The affected services included the Rajendra Nagar Terminal–New Delhi Tejas Rajdhani Express, Sampoorna Kranti Express, Amrit Bharat Express and Islampur–New Delhi Magadh Express.

The cancellations prompted passengers to gather at Patna Junction to seek information about their travel plans.