The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced the closure of entry and exit gates at six metro stations in the national capital from 6 am to 4 pm on Monday, October 12, citing security reasons ahead of a planned march by Opposition parties to the Supreme Court over allegations of “vote chori”.
The affected stations are Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Barakhamba Road. In a post on X late on Sunday night, October 11, the DMRC clarified that interchange facilities would remain available at all six stations and that security agencies would review the situation before issuing further updates.
The Congress-led Opposition, under the INDIA bloc, is organising the march to raise concerns over alleged electoral irregularities and seek action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge had also sought a meeting with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to discuss their concerns. The restrictions come amid heightened security arrangements in Delhi following recent protests and concerns over disruptions to public transport.\
Yesterday, the nation’s young came out in Delhi to peacefully protest. They came with love in their hearts, not hatred or anger. They were beaten, both by cops and BJP goons. This is not the India we want. Tomorrow, we will march to the Supreme Court as Indians, united beyond party, gender, caste, community and state. Youth, all opposition parties, civil society groups, all those who believe in democracy and stand by the Constitution of India, will walk with us. We will submit a memorandum to the Chief Justice on behalf of the nation, demanding an end to vote chori, halting of SIR and the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Ajit Doval and Mohan Bhagwat cannot silence India’s voice. These cowards cannot intimidate us. They will have to step aside. We will march together, with love, brotherhood and patriotism. Daro mat. Tomorrow, all of India will march to the Supreme Court. कल दिल्ली में देश का युवा शांतिपूर्ण विरोध के लिए सड़कों पर उतरा। उनके दिलों में नफ़रत या गुस्सा नहीं, मोहब्बत थी। लेकिन उन्हें पुलिस और BJP के गुंडों, दोनों ने पीटा। ऐसा भारत हम नहीं चाहते। कल, सोमवार 12 अक्टूबर को, हम भारतीय होने के नाते सुप्रीम कोर्ट तक मार्च करेंगे। पार्टी, महिला-पुरुष, जाति, समुदाय और राज्य की हर दीवार से ऊपर उठकर, हम सब एक साथ चलेंगे। देश का युवा, तमाम विपक्षी दल, सिविल सोसाइटी और लोकतंत्र में विश्वास रखने वाले, भारत के संविधान के साथ खड़े सभी लोग हमारे साथ चलेंगे। हम देश की ओर से मुख्य न्यायाधीश को एक ज्ञापन सौंपेंगे। हमारी माँग है – वोट चोरी बंद हो, SIR पर रोक लगे और ज्ञानेश कुमार इस्तीफ़ा दें। नरेंद्र मोदी, अमित शाह, अजित डोभाल और मोहन भागवत भारत की आवाज़ को दबा नहीं सकते। ये कायर हमें डरा नहीं सकते। इन्हें पीछे हटना ही होगा। हम सब साथ चलेंगे – मोहब्बत, भाईचारे और देशभक्ति के साथ। डरो मत। कल पूरा भारत सुप्रीम कोर्ट तक मार्च करेगा। #ChaloDilli
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 11, 2026
Six Stations Affected
The six metro stations affected by the restrictions are located in areas of central Delhi that are important for commuters travelling to government offices, commercial centres and other parts of the city. According to the DMRC’s announcement, passengers will not be able to enter or exit these stations between 6 am and 4 pm on October 12. However, commuters changing lines at the affected stations will still be able to use the interchange facilities, allowing them to continue their journeys without leaving the stations.
The DMRC stated that the decision had been taken for security reasons and that the situation would be reviewed by security agencies. It added that further updates would be shared as required. The temporary restrictions are expected to affect people travelling through central Delhi during the morning and afternoon, particularly those who rely on the metro to reach their workplaces or appointments. The Delhi Traffic Police has also issued an advisory warning of possible traffic congestion, diversions and delays in parts of the capital as security arrangements are put in place for the Opposition’s march. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and check official updates before travelling.
March Over Electoral Concerns
The metro restrictions coincide with the INDIA bloc’s planned march to the Supreme Court under the banner of “Chalo Dilli – March for Democracy”. The march is scheduled to begin at 1.30 pm from the Connaught Place–Barakhamba Road junction, with Opposition leaders seeking to raise allegations of electoral irregularities and “vote chori”.
The Opposition has called for action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, arguing that concerns surrounding electoral processes and voter-list revisions require scrutiny. These allegations remain contested and should not be treated as established findings of wrongdoing. Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had sought an appointment with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to discuss the matter. However, the request was reportedly declined, with sources indicating that similar issues were already pending before the Supreme Court.
The planned march follows days of heightened political tension in Delhi, including demonstrations by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and restrictions imposed around protest activity on October 10. The earlier restrictions on public transport had prompted concerns about the impact of security measures on ordinary commuters.
On October 9, the Supreme Court said metro and railway services should not be completely prohibited in response to anticipated protests and that authorities should instead consider regulated operations. This has brought renewed attention to the need to balance public safety with the rights of citizens to travel and assemble peacefully.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Public safety is an important responsibility, particularly when large gatherings are expected in a busy city such as Delhi. However, security arrangements must also take into account the everyday needs of millions of people who depend on public transport to reach work, educational institutions, hospitals and other essential destinations. Even temporary closures can create difficulties for commuters, especially those who have limited alternatives or cannot afford additional travel expenses.
At the same time, peaceful protest is an important democratic avenue through which citizens and political representatives can raise concerns and demand accountability. Allegations concerning electoral processes deserve to be addressed through transparent procedures, evidence and appropriate legal channels, rather than allowing political disagreements to deepen divisions among citizens.
A democracy is strengthened when public safety, civil liberties and institutional accountability are protected together. How can authorities ensure security during political demonstrations without unnecessarily disrupting the daily lives and democratic rights of ordinary citizens?
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