CJP protest: Shops in Delhi’s Connaught Place to close by 6.30 p.m. today in view of ‘tense situation’

Shops, offices and restaurants in Connaught Place will close from 6.30 p.m. on Thursday (July 23, 2026) following an advisory issued by the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA), citing the prevailing situation in and around the area.

In an advisory circular issued on Thursday (July 23, 2026), the traders' body said the decision was taken following telephonic advice from the Chairperson and Vice-chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), who asked that all commercial establishments in Connaught Place shut for the day by 6.30 p.m.

NDTA President Atul Bhargava said the circular was issued “keeping in mind the tense situation around Jantar Mantar and CP”. The advisory said all shop owners, office establishments and restaurants in the area have been requested to cooperate and strictly comply with the directions.

It said the measure was being taken in view of the "critical situation" around Connaught Place due to the Cockroach Janata Party-led (CJP) protest and urged establishment owners and occupiers to ensure compliance to avoid any untoward incident and prevent loss of property or injury.

While the circular mentions the advisory is for today, Mr. Bhargava said similar direction might be issued after assessing the situation tomorrow.

Sharing the advisory on X, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said, "Order to close all shops in CP by 6.30 p.m. this evening and intense security. Piles of ambulances. Will the central government once again attack its students at Jantar Mantar today?"

With PTI inputs