Delhi imposes virtual lockdown, halting metro, trains and weekend business events

In response to a demonstration organized by the Cockroach Janata Party and left-wing student groups demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Delhi officials imposed a virtual lockdown on Saturday. The curfew includes the shutdown of 45 Delhi Metro stations from 9 pm Friday until 6 pm Saturday, cancellation of numerous Indian Railways arrivals, and a four-kilometre internet blackout around central Delhi beginning at 10 pm Friday.

Police have erected heavy barricades near Jantar Mantar and rerouted traffic on major arteries, while the Delhi Traffic Police advised against non-essential travel. The New Delhi Traders Association urged commercial establishments in the affected area to remain closed on Saturday, citing a 40 percent drop in business already. Planned events such as the ICAR-IIFSR curtain-raiser in Meerut and the four-day India Mobile Congress organized by the telecom ministry are expected to see reduced participation or cancellation. The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual meet at Le Méridien is still slated to proceed, though any schedule changes will be announced later.