Delhi’s retail liquor shops will remain closed on Saturday, October 10, following a government order issued as a preventive measure amid heightened political activity and a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
The order mandates the shutdown of all retail liquor outlets in Delhi on October 9 and 10. An official circular said the measure was prompted by the prevailing situation and information shared by
“In view of the prevailing situation and inputs received from Delhi Police, as a preventive measure aimed at maintaining public order, it is hereby ordered that all retail liquor vends with licenses in Form L6, L6 & L6FG, L8, L10 and L8 & L14 operating in will be completely closed on 09.10.2026 and 10.10.2026,” the circular stated, according to ANI.
The closure also comes against the backdrop of INDIA bloc demonstrations over alleged discrepancies in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with Opposition leaders also demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner .
On Thursday, as the protest campaign entered its third consecutive day, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other INDIA bloc leaders gathered at Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal called the agitation “one of the most powerful” protests and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of “finishing” democracy through Gyanesh Kumar.
Earlier, INDIA bloc leaders tried to march to the Election Commission’s headquarters on Tuesday before holding a demonstration near Jantar Mantar the following day. Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other Opposition leaders were detained during Wednesday’s protest.
Delhi Police have filed three FIRs relating to the demonstration, citing alleged offences that include assault on police personnel, obstruction of government work, pushing, manhandling and misbehaviour with police officers. The FIR details released so far also mention Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
The CJP has scheduled a youth-led demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, raising allegations of “vote theft”, the purported exclusion of young voters from electoral rolls and other issues concerning the Election Commission.
CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said the party had notified Delhi Police about the planned gathering and completed the necessary formalities. According to him, young participants from different parts of the country are expected to attend.
However, the Delhi Police have refused permission for the CJP’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10. Following the decision, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has instructed police chiefs across all states and Union Territories to ensure law and order and tighten security arrangements.
In an official communication, Mohan asked states and Union Territories to coordinate with Delhi Police and take preventive steps ahead of the proposed mobilisation. The letter flagged concerns that CJP members and supporters might attempt to enter the national capital despite the denial of permission.
(With inputs from agency)
