Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Harsh Malhotra on Friday, 16 October 2026, commended the Delhi Police for what he described as smooth and effective handling of a Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP)-organised Tricolour-hoisting event at Connaught Place. Malhotra alleged the event was an attempt to create disruption in one of New Delhi's busiest commercial districts during the festive season.

Background: Bond Violations and Arrests

According to Malhotra, two individuals — Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka — had earlier furnished a bond before a Magistrate Court, but allegedly attempted to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in violation of the bond's conditions. The Delhi Police subsequently produced both individuals before the Magistrate again, who sent them to judicial custody for five days, the BJP leader said.

Malhotra alleged that the CJP, which he referred to pejoratively, then called upon youths to hoist the Tricolour at Connaught Place on Friday, ostensibly in opposition to the Magistrate Court's order. He claimed the call was made under pressure from what he characterised as 'foreign sponsors' and 'political patrons' in the opposition — allegations that remain unverified and were not independently confirmed.

What Happened at Connaught Place

According to Malhotra, the turnout at Connaught Place was 'negligible', and the Delhi Police managed the situation without major incident. He claimed that prominent opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal, and others such as Prashant Bhushan and actor-activist Prakash Raj, who he alleged had been 'instigating' youth on social media through Thursday night, did not appear at the location by the stipulated time of 5 pm.

Notably, none of the individuals named by Malhotra had publicly confirmed participation or issued statements in response to his remarks by the time of publication.

CJP Chief's Custody Status

Malhotra indicated that CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke — whose name appears as 'Abjijeet Dipke' in the original statement and is preserved here as attributed — could be either released or produced before the Magistrate Court on Saturday, where he may face the same judicial custody order as Das and Ranka. The BJP leader said Delhi residents should brace for continued disruptions to businesses in the coming days.

Economic Impact Claimed

Malhotra alleged that the CJP's actions, along with the involvement of Congress and AAP leadership, had disrupted Diwali business for traders in Connaught Place and surrounding areas. He claimed restaurant and shop owners in the central business district were forced to send daily-wage workers home — an assertion that could not be independently verified at the time of this report.

The claims made by Malhotra are those of a BJP spokesperson and represent a political position; the CJP and the opposition leaders named have not yet issued a formal response to these specific allegations.