The Congress-led INDIA Bloc brought together several opposition leaders and supporters at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1, as part of its nationwide campaign against alleged electoral irregularities. Rahul Gandhi, along with senior leaders from different opposition parties, participated in the demonstration demanding accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Organised under the slogan ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’, the gathering focused on objections to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and allegations that large numbers of eligible voters had been removed from voter lists.
Rahul Gandhi Joins Opposition Leaders in Delhi March
Rahul Gandhi joined prominent INDIA Bloc leaders for the ‘Chalo Dilli’ mobilisation. Before reaching Ramlila Maidan, several senior politicians assembled at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence and travelled towards Minto Road in an open vehicle.
The procession subsequently moved towards the rally venue, with party workers and supporters accompanying the leaders. Participants carried flags and raised slogans calling for electoral transparency and protection of voting rights.
Opposition Questions Large-Scale Voter Deletions
A major concern raised during the demonstration was the alleged deletion of 13.2 crore voters’ names through the electoral-roll revision process.
Opposition parties argued that the exercise could affect eligible voters and questioned the Election Commission’s handling of the process. They demanded greater transparency and accountability from the constitutional institution.
The INDIA Bloc also called for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, alleging that the Election Commission had failed to address their concerns adequately. These allegations have been disputed by the Election Commission.
Rally Follows Symbolic Proceedings Against Chief Election Commissioner
The November 1 demonstration came a day after INDIA Bloc leaders organised symbolic public impeachment proceedings against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
During the October 31 programme, opposition representatives presented allegations against the CEC and adopted a symbolic motion through a show of hands. The proceedings formed part of the alliance’s wider political campaign against the Election Commission’s approach to electoral-roll revision.
BJP Organises Counter-Demonstrations in Delhi and Haryana
The opposition rally also coincided with counter-demonstrations organised by the BJP. The ruling party criticised Congress for choosing November 1, the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, for its protest.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other BJP leaders questioned the timing of the INDIA Bloc programme. BJP representatives also organised marches in parts of Delhi and Haryana, presenting their demonstrations as tributes to the victims of the 1984 violence.
Heavy Security Arrangements Across the Capital
The two political programmes prompted extensive security arrangements across Delhi. Police personnel were deployed at important locations, while barricades, surveillance systems and traffic restrictions were introduced around the rally areas.
The large mobilisation also raised concerns among local traders about possible disruptions to festive-season shopping and commercial activity.
Electoral Transparency Remains Central to Opposition Campaign
The Ramlila Maidan gathering marked another major stage in the INDIA Bloc’s campaign against alleged voter-list irregularities. By bringing together leaders from several regional and national parties, the alliance sought to maintain attention on the SIR controversy.
The BJP, meanwhile, rejected the opposition’s accusations and questioned its political intentions. The dispute over electoral-roll revision and the role of the Election Commission is expected to remai
