The rally, scheduled for 5 p.m. local time at Central Park, comes amid escalating tensions between the government and the movement, which has staged near-daily demonstrations this month calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Authorities closed the park, citing “administrative reasons,” while metal barricades were installed at key intersections across the capital, signaling preparations for another potential confrontation with protesters.
The latest demonstration was called after two CJP leaders were jailed for five days this week over allegations that they trespassed at a protest site.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke warned that police might attempt to arrest him before the rally but said he and his supporters were “not afraid” and were “ready” to go to jail.
In a social media post, Dipke accused the government of hypocrisy, arguing that the same restrictions and police tactics now being used against protesters could have prevented members of the ruling party from reaching power had they faced similar measures while in opposition.
“The very party that is in power today spent decades organizing protests, taking to the streets and questioning the governments of the day when it was in opposition,” Dipke said.
“Had the same restrictions, intimidation and police crackdowns been used against them, many of those who occupy positions of power today might never have reached where they are.”
The confrontation reflects mounting public anger over India’s electoral process, particularly the removal of more than 130 million names from voter rolls under the supervision of Kumar.
The CJP has accused the election chief of voter fraud, while election authorities have said the changes were intended to remove duplicate, deceased and fraudulent entries.
Founded in May amid anger over leaked examination papers and limited opportunities for young people, the CJP has emerged as a focal point for India’s Gen Z population, many of whom feel increasingly disenfranchised amid an unemployment crisis under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s right-wing government.
The movement has already helped force the resignation of the education minister, while political opposition groups have rallied behind its demands, increasing pressure on Modi’s government.
Some analysts have described the unrest as the most serious political crisis Modi has faced since taking office in 2014, as the authorities’ response to the protests fuels further tensions over electoral accountability and the right to demonstrate.