Security arrangements have been strengthened across central Delhi ahead of the INDIA bloc's protest for a third consecutive day against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday. The Union home ministry has approved the deployment of 110 companies of central paramilitary forces in Delhi between October 8 and 12, while the Delhi Police has deployed around 5,000 personnel in areas expected to witness demonstrations. Roads around Sansad Marg, Ashoka Road, Janpath Road and other parts of central Delhi have been barricaded as authorities prepare for a larger gathering.

The protest follows demonstrations held by Opposition leaders on Wednesday, when Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra staged a sit-in against the Chief Election Commissioner. The Le Meridien roundabout, where protesters had gathered during Wednesday's demonstration, has also been brought under enhanced security. Police officials said arrangements were strengthened after Wednesday's gathering was largely impromptu, leaving authorities with limited time to organise the deployment around the location.

Officials said security personnel have been positioned at key points across central Delhi to manage the expected movement of protesters and maintain traffic and public order. The additional central paramilitary deployment approved by the government is scheduled to remain in place through October 12. The measures come as the Opposition continues its protest against Gyanesh Kumar, with Thursday's demonstration expected to draw further political attention.

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Delhi Police have also reviewed footage recorded during Wednesday's protest as part of their assessment of the incident. Officials said footage from around 150 body cameras worn by police personnel was scanned after the demonstration. According to the police, the footage showed instances in which personnel were targeted during the protest, prompting authorities to strengthen security arrangements before the next gathering.

The Le Meridien roundabout has received particular attention because it was the location where protesters assembled on Wednesday. Police officials said the impromptu nature of the earlier gathering meant there was little time to put extensive arrangements in place. With the possibility of a larger turnout on Thursday, additional personnel and barricades have been deployed around the area and along roads connecting it to other parts of central Delhi.

The enhanced security is expected to remain in place as the INDIA bloc continues its protest against the Chief Election Commissioner. The deployment of central forces from October 8 to 12 will supplement the Delhi Police presence during the period. Authorities are also monitoring the protest locations and traffic movement as they prepare for further demonstrations in central Delhi over the coming days.

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