More than 50,000 people are expected to gather at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, November 1, as the opposition INDIA bloc prepares to hold a major protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The rally, scheduled from 10 am to 5 pm, is aimed at raising allegations of electoral irregularities and opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The demonstration is being organised under the banner of ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has appealed to students, young people, women, workers and civil society organisations to participate in the gathering.
The INDIA bloc has projected a turnout of nearly 10 lakh people from different parts of the country. However, Delhi Police is preparing for approximately 50,000 participants, keeping the venue's capacity and security requirements in mind. India News - The Indian Express +2
Chalo Dilli march to precede the rally
The protest will be accompanied by a march from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction to Ramlila Maidan, scheduled to begin at noon. Senior opposition leaders are expected to participate in the procession.
Preparations at the venue include a large stage under a tricolour canopy, separate seating arrangements for opposition representatives and designated entry and exit gates. Organisers have also been instructed to arrange drinking water, toilets for women and volunteers for crowd management. The New Indian Express +1
Heavy security deployment
Delhi Police has put extensive security arrangements in place to manage the gathering. More than 4,000 police personnel, along with companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), will be deployed along the march route and around the venue.
Ramlila Maidan has been divided into 14 security zones, with more than 200 CCTV cameras installed for surveillance. Drone monitoring, body-worn cameras and a dedicated control room will also be used to monitor crowd movement and maintain law and order. The New Indian Express +1
Traffic restrictions in central Delhi
Traffic restrictions and diversions will remain in force between 10 am and 5 pm across several parts of central Delhi. Major roads, including Minto Road, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Barakhamba Road, are likely to experience congestion.
The opposition's protest follows its allegations against the Election Commission regarding electoral roll revisions and demands for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. The Election Commission has maintained that its decisions are taken in accordance with established procedures.
The rally is expected to bring together opposition leaders, party workers and civil society representatives from across the country. The Tribune +1
Reader Comments 0