President Droupadi Murmu meets a delegation of INDIA alliance consisting of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, and others, and accepts a memorandum over 'voter chori' issue, in New Delhi, on Friday (October 9).
LIVE: President asked us to submit 'vote chori' proof, says Rahul
Delhi borders likely to be sealed amid unprecedented security; Internet in 4-km radius of Jantar Mantar suspended from 10 pm on October 9 to 10 pm on October 10
A delegation of INDIA bloc leaders, including Congress’ Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, met President Droupadi Murmu on Friday evening (October 9) and submitted a memorandum on "vote chori" (vote theft) issue and also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Besides Kharge, Rahul and Banerjee, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, NCP(SP)'s Supriya Sule, RJD's Manoj Jha, VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan, IUML's E T Mohammed Basheer, CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby, CPI's D Raja were among those who were part of the 10-member delegation.
Also read: If Opposition keeps up the push the same way, Modi govt will fall soon: Rahul
Carrying a big "Save Democracy" banner, INDIA bloc MPs marched from Parliament House to Rashtrapati Bhavan, but they were stopped at Vijay Chowk by the police, who had put up barricades.
"We handed our memorandum to the President listing our concerns of election chori and vote chori. The President did not deny vote chori, but the President asked us to bring her proof of vote chori. We will bring the proof to her. I thank her from my heart," Rahul said after meeting President Murmu.
Earlier, the INDIA bloc MPs met at the Central Hall of the Parliament and deliberated upon their strategy to take forward their plan for agitation against "vote chori" and press for CEC Kumar's ouster.
Security stepped up in Delhi; internet suspended
Meanwhile, security has been stepped up at the borders connecting Noida with Delhi, with police personnel and Border Security Force (BSF) jawans deployed at key points ahead of a major protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in the national capital on Saturday (October 10). The protest has been called to demand the resignation of CEC Kumar amid allegations of irregularities in election-related processes.
Also read: Delhi-bound train cancellations leave UP passengers in a fix
Internet services will be suspended within a 4-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar from 10 pm on October 9 to 10 pm on October 10. The suspension will apply to all mobile internet services. Internet services in the rest of Delhi will remain unaffected.
At the Chilla border, personnel from the Noida and Delhi police, along with BSF jawans, have been deployed as part of heightened security arrangements.
Police teams have begun checking suspicious vehicles and questioning people as needed, officials said.
Security personnel are keeping a close watch on buses, taxis and private cars entering Delhi from Noida. Police are stopping vehicles for checks as part of efforts to prevent any untoward incident during the protest.
Security personnel have also placed reinforced concrete (RCC) barriers at the border to strengthen security. Police might seal the border around 9 pm on Friday, though an official confirmation of the proposed measure was not immediately available. Several social organisations, members of farmers' unions and leaders of some political parties in Noida have alleged that police have placed them under house arrest ahead of the protest.
SC slams Centre on Metro curbs
Supreme Court on Friday questioned the Centre over unprecedented curbs announced in the national capital ahead of the planned protest by the CJP on Saturday. It was particularly critical of the closure of Metro rail services planned to prevent the arrival of protesters.
"Young people, elderly all travel. Commuters have a right to basic facilities," the court told the Centre's lawyer, asking for the number of closed Metro stations to be brought down. The court made these observations while hearing a petition against closures of metro stations and cancellation of trains by CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby.
Earlier, Delhi Police denied permission for the CJP to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar over the accountability of CEC Kumar, citing short notice and previous violations of police directions.
Scroll below for Live updates
Live Updates
- 9 Oct 2026 3:23 PM IST
My family and I will join CJP protest: Arvind Kejriwal
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said he and his family will join the CJP protest tomorrow.
"I appeal to everyone, to the people of the entire country, to gather at Jantar Mantar in maximum numbers. This is not about one person or party; it is about the nation, and this protest starts tomorrow at Jantar Mantar. I will go, my entire family will go, and all of you should go too," Kejriwal told reporters.
The former Delhi CM also hit out at the Centre, accusing it of tampering with the voter lists. "Whoever does not vote for BJP has their vote deleted, fake votes are added, and all this was happening openly under Gyanesh Kumar. The entire country is demanding his resignation," he added.
- 9 Oct 2026 2:59 PM IST
Lal Hit Janata Party holds protests CJP over remarks against PM Modi
Members of the Lal Hit Janata Party gathered at Janpath in Delhi on Friday( October 9) to condemn alleged assaults on police personnel and abusive remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a day before the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) plans to protest at Jantar Mantar.
“Even if someone abuses an outsider, we tend to stop them. The Prime Minister is part of our own family, and using such language against him is unacceptable. Abusing our heroes, jawans and Delhi Police personnel must stop, and strict action should be taken against those responsible,” Ayan Bhatnagar, representing the outfit, said.
The group said disagreements should be addressed through democratic and legal means. In a statement, it accused the CJP of undermining constitutional institutions and urged young people to pursue peaceful protests and legal channels.
The CJP has announced a demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The Lal Hit Janata Party said its motto was: “Nation First, Respect for the Constitution, Democracy as Our Identity.”
Protesters were taken into police custody and remained detained when the outfit issued its statement, it said.
- 9 Oct 2026 2:55 PM IST
Delhi Police urges restraint ahead of October 10 CJP protest
Delhi Police Joint Commissioner Madhur Verma on Friday (October 9) urged personnel to exercise restraint while managing crowds ahead of the October 10 protest in the capital, saying the force's strength lay in maintaining order with discipline, dignity and minimum force. The Centre has made around 23,000 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel available for deployment between October 8 and 12.
"Prepare for the storm. Practise restraint. Protect the peace. Because the true strength of the police is not merely in controlling a crowd, but in doing so with discipline, dignity and minimum force," Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police (Central Range), said in a post on X.
The protest, called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), comes amid demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Delhi Police has denied permission for the rally at Jantar Mantar, citing short notice and alleged violations during an earlier demonstration.
The additional deployment will take the number of central force personnel in Delhi to over 25,000, officials said. The Delhi government has also ordered liquor shops to remain closed on October 9 and 10, citing the need to maintain public order.
- 9 Oct 2026 2:48 PM IST
Sibal flags Delhi curbs in Supreme Court, bench questions protest plea
During the hearing on a plea by CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby challenging restrictions ahead of the October 10 protest announced by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against the Chief Election Commissioner, senior advocate Kapil Sibal questioned the restrictions imposed in Delhi ahead of the protest, citing cancelled trains, metro closures and curbs on hotel bookings.
The Supreme Court asked whether the demonstration had permission and whether the petitioners could challenge the restrictions. Justice Joymalya Bagchi said that the court could stop the curbs as well as the gathering, reported Live Law.
"What is happening to my country?" Sibal asked, saying trains scheduled to reach New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 am and 2 pm had been cancelled. He also cited the proposed closure of 57 metro stations and restrictions on hotel bookings.
The Chief Justice asked why the petitioners had not approached the Delhi High Court. Sibal said a similar plea filed by the Indian Youth Congress had been adjourned until Monday.
The bench asked whether Sibal represented a protest organiser. He said he appeared for CPI(M) secretary MA Baby, who was not organising the demonstration. Justice Bagchi said a protest without permission could be unlawful and expose participants to prosecution.
Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for affected residents, argued that the restrictions had to be proportionate.
"We will injunct the curbs, but we will also injunct the gathering," Justice Bagchi said. Sankaranarayanan disagreed, urging the court to balance the competing concerns.
- 9 Oct 2026 2:08 PM IST
MA Baby moves Supreme Court over curbs on Oct 10 protests
CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby has moved the Supreme Court, challenging the restrictions imposed in the national capital ahead of the October 10 protests, including the cancellation of train services to Delhi and the shutdown of metro stations and the internet.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal is representing MA Baby in the matter.
- 9 Oct 2026 2:06 PM IST
Delhi HC refuses to grant urgent hearing to IYC's plea for protest at Jantar Mantar
The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to grant an urgent hearing on a plea of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) seeking permission to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise. The court said the petition will be listed for hearing on October 12.
The plea was first mentioned on Thursday, and the bench allowed it to be listed on Friday. Since it did not come up for hearing in the list of cases on Friday, the counsel again mentioned that the plea be heard today.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma refused to list the matter despite the counsel's urging. "What is the urgency today? We will hear it on Monday. It will be listed on Monday," the bench said.
While mentioning the matter, senior advocate Sanjoy Ghose, appearing for IYC, said all defects in the petition were cured, but it has not been listed today.
On the aspect of urgency, the counsel said, "Because every day my lordships are seeing… designated site (for protest) is not allowed."
Denying the request, the bench said, "No. Monday we are hearing it."
The IYC has approached the court challenging Delhi Police's order denying the outfit permission to hold the protest at Jantar Mantar.
On Thursday, the court told the petitioner's counsel that the plea will be listed on Friday and, in case it does not happen, they can again mention the matter.
The IYC, through its national president Uday Bhanu Chib, approached the court challenging Delhi Police's October 1 communication denying the outfit permission to organise a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
The IYC is demanding the resignation of Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- 9 Oct 2026 1:55 PM IST
Railways cancels select Mail, Express trains arriving at New Delhi
The Railway Board on Friday cancelled certain Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10.
According to a circular, trains departing from their originating stations after 2 pm on October 9 and scheduled to arrive at New Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10 will be cancelled at their originating stations.
"All Mail/Express trains starting at source after 14:00 Hrs today, ie, 9th Oct which are reaching New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station on 10th October from 04:00 to 14:00 hrs be cancelled at source," the circular read.
The Railways cited unexpected road traffic between the two stations as the reason for the cancellations.
The Cockroach Janata Party has announced a protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The city police have urged the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to shut 57 metro stations to scupper the movement of youths who may be coming to join the protest.
- 9 Oct 2026 1:49 PM IST
Shut down entire country if govt scared of youth: Dipke on train cancellations
A day before the CJP's protest in Delhi, its founder Abhijeet Dipke on Friday slammed the Centre, saying it should shut down the entire country if it is scared of the youth, a statement coming in the wake of cancellation of trains to and from the national capital on October 10.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called for a massive demonstration at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Saturday to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar alleging massive irregularities in the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Railway Board on Friday cancelled certain Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 am and 2 pm on October 10. The Delhi Police have urged the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to shut 57 metro stations to thwart the movement of youths who may be coming to join the protest.
Talking to reporters over the development here, Dipke said there was no need for the government's permission to protest at Jantar Mantar, which is a designated spot. "Shut down the entire country if you are scared of the youth," Dipke said.
The Delhi Police have also denied permission to the CJP to protest at Jantar Mantar.
- 9 Oct 2026 1:39 PM IST
INDIA bloc leaders to meet President at 8 pm
INDIA bloc leaders will meet President Droupadi Murmu at 8 pm Friday in connection with their demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
According to sources, the President's office confirmed the appointment on Friday morning.
A ten-member delegation, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and TMC Chairperson Mamata Banerjee, would be among the leaders expected to meet the President.
The Opposition MPs have been staging protests in the national capital demanding Kumar's resignation for the last three days.
- 9 Oct 2026 1:36 PM IST
SC to hear pleas against Delhi curbs ahead of CJP protest
The Supreme Court on Friday said the right to protest must be balanced against the rights of other citizens, agreeing to hear at 2 pm a batch of petitions challenging restrictions imposed in Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) October 10 protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of ‘vote theft’.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant heard arguments from senior lawyers Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Prashant Bhushan and Vrinda Grover, who raised objections to the sweeping curbs allegedly imposed by the police ahead of Saturday’s demonstration.
The lawyers pointed to reports of metro station closures, train cancellations, curbs on movement and alleged instructions to resident welfare associations (RWAs) and hotels that could make it difficult for people to travel to Delhi or assemble for the protest.
Sibal questioned the rationale for imposing such restrictions across the national capital, while Singhvi argued that preventive measures on this scale were unjustified in the absence of any incident.
