New Delhi, Nov 1: The opposition INDIA bloc is set to stage a major show of strength in the national capital on Sunday with its ‘Chalo Dilli’ march, culminating in a rally at Ramlila Maidan against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the Election Commission’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
The opposition alliance is expected to bring together political leaders, party workers, student organisations and supporters from various parts of the country. Among its key demands are a halt to alleged irregularities in voter list revision and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
The rally is expected to intensify the political confrontation between the opposition parties and the BJP-led Central Government over the credibility of the electoral process.
Security Tightened Across Delhi
Ahead of the proposed demonstration, Delhi Police have strengthened security arrangements across the national capital. Restrictions under Section 163 are in force in several districts, prohibiting unauthorised gatherings at sensitive locations, including Jantar Mantar and the Election Commission's office.
Police and paramilitary personnel are expected to remain deployed at strategic locations, particularly around Ramlila Maidan, to maintain law and order during the gathering.
Authorities have also put traffic and crowd management arrangements in place. Opposition leaders and participants have been asked to follow the designated security and movement arrangements.
Rahul Gandhi Appeals to Visitors to Support Local Traders
Ahead of the rally, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi appealed to people travelling to Delhi to participate in the demonstration while also supporting local businesses during the festive season.
In a post on X on Saturday, Gandhi said thousands of people would be arriving in the capital for the march and urged them to shop at small local establishments during the festive period of Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj.
He dismissed concerns that the political gathering would adversely affect traders, alleging that the BJP was spreading rumours out of fear of the opposition's mobilisation.
Gandhi called on participants to combine their political protest with efforts to support Delhi's small traders and shopkeepers.
Venugopal Alleges Large-Scale Voter List Irregularities
Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal has also appealed to people across the country to join the November 1 mobilisation.
In a video message shared on X on Thursday, Venugopal described the campaign as ‘Chalo Dilli, Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’, alleging that democratic institutions and electoral processes were under threat.
He claimed that nearly 13 crore names had been deleted from electoral rolls and alleged widespread irregularities in voter list revision across several states.
Venugopal also praised Rahul Gandhi for leading the opposition's campaign and questioning the functioning of institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy.
Opposition Seeks Accountability
Through the Ramlila Maidan gathering, the INDIA bloc aims to bring its concerns over the SIR exercise and electoral transparency to the forefront of national politics.
The opposition parties have maintained that the revision process must be transparent and that no eligible voter should be excluded from electoral rolls.
The rally is expected to serve as a significant political platform for the alliance as it seeks to build a united campaign around voter rights, electoral accountability and the functioning of the Election Commission.
Further political developments are likely to emerge following the opposition's demonstration in the national capital.
