Center extends paramilitary deployment in Delhi through late 2026 amid security requests

NEW DELHI — The central government has extended the deployment of 270 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the national capital until November 16, 2026.

According to officials, the decision was taken following a request from Delhi Police to maintain law and order during the festive season, manage potential sudden protests by various organizations, and secure the upcoming India Bloc rally.

The security augmentation comes ahead of an opposition ‘Chalo Delhi March’ called by the Congress under the banner of the India Bloc, which is scheduled to culminate in a rally at central Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1 over allegations of vote irregularities.

The extended deployment comprises 125 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (including 17 female personnel units), 46 companies of the Border Security Force, 39 of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, 31 of the Sashastra Seema Bal, 20 of the Rapid Action Force, and 12 of the Central Industrial Security Force.

The Ministry of Home Affairs approved the extension amid heightened security measures in the capital, following earlier demonstrations in October demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter list discrepancies.