Opposition’s ‘Chalo Delhi’ march targets alleged electoral irregularities; Rahul Gandhi also appeals to visitors to support local Delhi traders through festive shopping.
🔴 By | Arvind Jadhav
New Delhi : Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is set to lead a major opposition demonstration at Delhi’s historic Ramlila Maidan today, intensifying the INDIA bloc’s confrontation with the Election Commission of India over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.
The protest, organised under the banner of ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’, centres on the opposition’s demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition parties have raised concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the exercise could result in the deletion of eligible voters’ names and affect the fairness of elections.
🟡 ‘Chalo Delhi’ March to Begin at Noon
The INDIA bloc’s programme is scheduled to begin with a ‘Chalo Delhi’ march from the Minto Road–Connaught Place junction at approximately 12 noon. Participants will proceed towards Ramlila Maidan, where senior opposition leaders are expected to address the gathering.
Rahul Gandhi has appealed to students, young people, civil society organisations and citizens across the country to join the demonstration, describing it as a united movement to protect constitutional values and voting rights.
The Congress leadership has been coordinating with state units and alliance partners to mobilise participants from different parts of the country. Several opposition parties are expected to take part in the programme.
🟡 Rahul Gandhi Appeals to Visitors to Shop at Delhi Markets
Alongside his political appeal, Rahul Gandhi has made a special request to people travelling to Delhi for the November 1 demonstration: support local traders and small shopkeepers by shopping in the capital’s markets.
In a social media message ahead of the rally, Gandhi encouraged participants to combine their visit to Delhi with festive shopping. Referring to the upcoming festive occasions, including Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj, he urged visitors to purchase goods from local businesses and help boost their earnings.
The appeal comes amid concerns expressed by Delhi’s trading community about the possible impact of the opposition rally, traffic restrictions and security arrangements on festive-season business. Representatives of several market associations had raised concerns about potential disruption during an important shopping period.
Gandhi’s message sought to reassure traders while encouraging rally participants to contribute to the local economy. The appeal has added an economic dimension to the opposition’s political programme.
🟡 250 Opposition MPs Hold Symbolic Public Impeachment
In a significant development ahead of Sunday’s rally, approximately 250 opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc participated in a symbolic ‘public impeachment’ programme against CEC Gyanesh Kumar on October 31 at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in New Delhi.
The programme included a resolution raising six allegations concerning the functioning of the Election Commission, voter-list revisions and the SIR exercise. The resolution was passed through a voice vote.
Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders used the occasion to reiterate their demand for accountability from the Election Commission. However, the symbolic programme does not amount to a formal constitutional impeachment or removal proceeding.
🟡 Delhi Under Tight Security
Authorities have made extensive security arrangements ahead of the opposition gathering. According to reports, more than 4,000 police personnel and additional central security forces are being deployed to manage the crowd and maintain law and order.
Ramlila Maidan has reportedly been divided into 14 security zones, with more than 200 CCTV cameras, drones and body-worn cameras being used for surveillance.
Delhi Police has estimated that approximately 50,000 people could attend the gathering, while Congress leaders have projected a larger turnout. Traffic restrictions and diversions are also expected on several major roads between 10 am and 5 pm.
🟡 BJP Rejects Opposition’s Allegations
The political confrontation has intensified between the Congress-led opposition and the BJP. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra has rejected Rahul Gandhi’s allegations concerning the government’s role in restricting participation in the rally and demanded evidence for his claims.
The opposition, meanwhile, maintains that transparency in electoral rolls and the protection of citizens’ voting rights are central to the functioning of democracy.
Today’s demonstration is expected to bring the Election Commission, the SIR exercise and the demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation back into the centre of the national political debate. The participation of opposition leaders, the size of the gathering and the response from the BJP and the Election Commission will be closely watched.
