Delhi is bracing for a major political demonstration at Ramlila Maidan this Sunday, as the INDIA bloc organizes a protest against alleged electoral irregularities and demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition alliance has called for a 'Chalo Dilli' march, which is scheduled to commence at noon from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction, leading into the main rally at the grounds.
The event, running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is expected to draw a diverse crowd, including opposition leaders, student groups, and civil society organizations. While organizers have set a target of 10 lakh participants, Delhi Police officials anticipate a turnout closer to 50,000. Authorities noted that the venue's capacity, once infrastructure such as chairs and security enclosures are installed, will likely accommodate between 30,000 and 40,000 people, with contingency plans for overflow.
Security measures for the event are extensive. More than 4,000 police personnel, supported by Central Armed Police Forces, will be stationed along the march route and at the venue. The grounds have been partitioned into 14 security zones, each under the supervision of an assistant commissioner of police. Surveillance will be maintained through a network of over 200 CCTV cameras, drones, and body-worn cameras, all monitored from a dedicated control room on-site.
Traffic disruptions are expected across the city between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., with diversions planned at major junctions including ITO, Delhi Gate, Rajghat, Ajmeri Gate, and Turkman Gate. Police have advised commuters to avoid several key thoroughfares, such as Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Jawaharlal Nehru Marg. While special provisions are being made for emergency vehicles heading to LNJP and GB Pant hospitals, travelers bound for the New Delhi Railway Station have been urged to plan their transit in advance. Notably, Delhi Police stated that while permission for the Ramlila Maidan rally has been granted, no application was received for the proposed procession.
The rally follows a symbolic 'public impeachment' of the Chief Election Commissioner held Saturday at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. During the proceedings, which were modeled on parliamentary debates and presided over by former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, a resolution was adopted accusing the CEC of undermining the independence of the Election Commission and facilitating electoral manipulation. Rahul Gandhi delivered the concluding remarks at the event, which was attended by various opposition leaders and citizens who claimed to be affected by the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
