Delhi prepares for INDIA bloc rally; police plan major security deployment

NEW DELHI | 01-11-2026 : More than 4,000 police personnel, supported by Central Armed Police Forces companies, are to be deployed for the INDIA bloc rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, November 1, according to Siasat’s October 31 report. Opposition leaders and supporters have begun arriving for a demonstration against alleged electoral irregularities, Deccan Chronicle reported.

The opposition alliance is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Its allegations concern electoral manipulation and the deletion of voters’ names during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, according to Deccan Chronicle. The supplied reports do not include a response from Kumar or the Election Commission to those accusations.

Rally permitted, march status unresolved

Deccan Chronicle reported that the proposed ‘Chalo Dilli’ march would begin at noon at the Minto Road–Connaught Place junction and proceed to Ramlila Maidan. The rally has permission to run from 10 am to 5 pm.

However, the newspaper also reported that Delhi Police had received no application for the proposed procession, although permission had been granted for the gathering at the ground. Security planning along the route therefore should not be taken as confirmation that the march itself has been authorised.

Turnout expectations differ substantially. According to Deccan Chronicle, INDIA bloc leaders anticipate up to 10 lakh people, while police expect around 50,000. Officials estimate that chairs, enclosures and passageways will reduce usable capacity inside the ground to about 30,000–40,000, with additional space outside reserved for overflow.

Surveillance and traffic arrangements

Siasat reported that the venue has been divided into 14 security zones, each under an assistant commissioner-rank officer. More than 200 CCTV cameras, drones and body-worn cameras are planned, alongside a control room within the ground. Attendees will enter through designated gates and undergo security screening.

Organisers have been asked to provide volunteers, drinking water and coordinated parking arrangements. Deccan Chronicle also reported requirements for separate toilets for women and said overnight stays at the venue would not be allowed.

Traffic restrictions are planned between 10 am and 5 pm, with diversions at intersections including ITO, Delhi Gate, Rajghat, Ajmeri Gate and Turkman Gate, according to Deccan Chronicle. Passengers heading to New Delhi Railway Station have been advised to plan ahead. Both outlets reported arrangements to maintain ambulance and emergency access to LNJP and GB Pant hospitals.

CJP supports cause but rules out attendance

Deccan Chronicle’s rally preview reported support from the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party. A separate report by the newspaper clarified that founder Abhijeet Dipke said the organisation would not participate, despite backing the protest’s cause, because it wanted to preserve its independent identity.

The rally follows a symbolic proceeding against Kumar at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence on Saturday, according to Deccan Chronicle. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar presided, Kharge introduced a resolution outlining opposition allegations, and Rahul Gandhi delivered concluding remarks. The newspaper stressed that the exercise was symbolic, not a formal constitutional impeachment.

Sources: Siasat, carrying a Press Trust of India report; Deccan Chronicle, carrying Press Trust of India and correspondent reports, published October 31, 2026.