NEW DELHI, Nov 1: Supporters of various INDIA bloc parties began assembling at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan early Sunday ahead of the Opposition alliance’s ‘Chalo Dilli’ protest against alleged electoral irregularities and its demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Party workers also gathered at several locations across the national capital before proceeding towards the rally venue. Samajwadi Party supporters assembled outside the residence of party chief Akhilesh Yadav, while Congress workers gathered near Himachal Bhawan ahead of the march.
Several participants arrived in Delhi on Sunday morning, while others had reached the capital a day earlier as opposition parties mobilised supporters from different states for the demonstration.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday appealed to people travelling to Delhi for the protest to support local businesses by purchasing goods ahead of Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj. He maintained that the Opposition’s mobilisation would not adversely affect commercial activities.
In a video message shared on X, Gandhi said a large number of people were expected to participate in the programme and encouraged them to shop from small traders.
“Along with protesting, marching and attending the rally tomorrow, do a little shopping too,” he said, alleging that the BJP was spreading rumours because it was apprehensive about the Opposition’s strength.
The main mobilisation is scheduled to begin with a march from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction at noon, culminating at Ramlila Maidan, where alliance leaders will address a public rally.
Senior INDIA bloc leaders are expected to travel in open buses from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence to the march’s starting point.
Extensive arrangements have been made at Ramlila Maidan to accommodate participants and facilitate the programme. A large tricolour canopy has been installed above the main stage reserved for senior opposition leaders, while another stage is being prepared for representatives of the alliance’s state units.
Rows of white canopy tents have been erected, and metal barricades installed to regulate the movement of participants. Temporary platforms, separate entry gates and designated enclosures are also being arranged to manage the gathering.
Organisers have been directed to deploy volunteers for crowd management and ensure the availability of drinking water and separate toilet facilities for women. Parking arrangements are being coordinated with traffic police, while overnight stays at the venue have been prohibited.
The INDIA bloc has estimated that the protest could attract up to 10 lakh participants, whereas Delhi Police has projected a turnout of approximately 50,000.
Although Ramlila Maidan can accommodate around 45,000 to 50,000 people when empty, its effective capacity is expected to reduce to approximately 30,000-40,000 after the installation of chairs, barricades, enclosures and designated passageways.
Additional space outside the ground has been earmarked to manage any overflow of participants.
Security arrangements have been significantly strengthened across the rally venue and the proposed march route. More than 4,000 police personnel, along with companies of the Central Armed Police Forces, are being deployed to maintain law and order and regulate the gathering.
The venue has been divided into 14 security zones, each supervised by an officer of assistant commissioner rank. More than 200 CCTV cameras, drones and body-worn cameras will be used to monitor activities and ensure effective surveillance.
The INDIA bloc has appealed to students, young people, women, workers and members of civil society to participate in the demonstration. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and several student organisations have also extended support to the mobilisation.
The Sunday’s protest follows a symbolic ‘public impeachment’ of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar organised by the Opposition at Kharge’s residence on Saturday.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar presided over the proceedings, during which Kharge introduced a resolution outlining the Opposition’s allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner.
Rahul Gandhi delivered the concluding remarks before the resolution was adopted.
The INDIA bloc has accused the Election Commission of allowing large-scale irregularities in the electoral process, particularly alleging the deletion of voters’ names during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Opposition parties have described the alleged manipulation as ‘vote chori’ and demanded greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the poll panel.
The ‘Chalo Dilli’ programme is part of the alliance’s continuing campaign against what it considers electoral malpractice and its broader demand for reforms to safeguard the integrity of India’s democratic process.