INDIA bloc stages Chalo Dilli march to Ramlila Maidan demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation

The INDIA bloc began its Chalo Dilli march at noon on November 1 from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction toward Ramlila Maidan. Leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and others planned to assemble at the Constitution Club earlier. The event targets alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Delhi Police deployed roughly 4,000 to 10,000 personnel and set up barricades on roads leading to the ground. Officials planned for about 50,000 people, matching the venue capacity of 45,000 to 50,000 when empty. With chairs and enclosures, effective capacity drops to 30,000-40,000. Organisers projected up to one million participants from across the country. No formal permission was granted for the march itself, though police said they would facilitate movement. Conditions set for the rally included an end by 5 pm and a ban on inflammatory speeches. Overnight stays at the ground are prohibited.

The protest follows a symbolic public impeachment of Kumar held on October 31. Opposition parties accuse the Election Commission of deleting large numbers of voters during the revision process. Rahul Gandhi had called for students, farmers, workers and others to join, framing it as a defence of the vote. Traders in commercial areas warned of potential losses exceeding Rs 2,000 crore during the shopping season and asked for a postponement. The bloc proceeded anyway.

At the same time, the BJP organised a counter-march in West Delhi's Hari Nagar area. Around 5,000 participants were expected, including victims and families of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta were among those leading it. The ruling party said the opposition rally on the anniversary of the riots showed a lack of sensitivity.

Security arrangements include CCTV coverage, drones and reserved companies of forces. One gate at Ramlila Maidan was designated for emergency evacuation of senior leaders. Traffic diversions affect central and west Delhi routes. The rally marks the latest step in the opposition's campaign that began in Parliament, moved to the Supreme Court and now reaches the streets.

Ramlila Maidan has hosted large political gatherings for decades. Past events include farmer marches and anti-corruption protests. Today's turnout will test whether the alliance can convert claims of voter-list problems into visible public pressure. Police expect any overflow to remain on surrounding roads rather than enter restricted zones near Jantar Mantar. The outcome will shape how both sides frame the Election Commission's independence in the weeks ahead.