The Congress has intensified preparations for the INDIA bloc’s proposed rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on November 1, 2026. The rally is intended to protest alleged electoral irregularities and what opposition leaders describe as “vote chori”. Congress leaders say the event will demonstrate opposition unity and strengthen their campaign to protect democratic processes.
On October 23, Congress general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K.C. Venugopal met party leaders from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana at the All India Congress Committee headquarters in New Delhi. The meetings focused on mobilisation plans, coordination between state units and efforts to ensure a large turnout at the rally.
According to reports published by The New Indian Express and The Economic Times, the Congress expects substantial participation from across the country. Venugopal has said that at least one million citizens are expected to join the broader mobilisation connected with the event. This is a target stated by the party, not a confirmed attendance figure.
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Meetings with Uttar Pradesh and Haryana leaders
The Congress leadership has been consulting state-level representatives to organise participation in the November 1 rally. The meeting with Uttar Pradesh leaders included AICC state in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam, former Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Rai, state Congress working president Imran Masood, senior leader Salman Khurshid and other party representatives. Uttar Pradesh Congress president Aradhana Misra-Mona was also involved in discussions, according to reports.
A separate meeting was held with leaders from Haryana. Those present included AICC in-charge Sanjay Dutt, Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee president Rao Narender Singh, Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala and MP Deepender Hooda, among others.
Venugopal said the discussions were intended to strengthen mobilisation efforts in both states. The meetings reflect the party’s attempt to coordinate its state units ahead of a major national-level political event.
The preparations are expected to involve outreach to party workers and supporters, organisational coordination and arrangements for travel to Delhi. The Congress hopes that participation from different states will give the rally a wider national presence.
What is the “vote chori” controversy?
The phrase “vote chori”, or vote theft, is being used by opposition leaders to describe alleged irregularities in the electoral process. A major focus of the current campaign is the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision, commonly known as SIR, of electoral rolls.
The SIR process involves reviewing voter lists to improve their accuracy. The opposition has raised concerns about how the exercise is being conducted, including allegations of irregularities and the possible removal of eligible voters’ names from electoral rolls.
The Congress and its INDIA bloc partners argue that electoral roll revisions must be transparent and must protect every eligible citizen’s right to vote. They have called for accountability from the Election Commission and have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the allegations.
These are allegations made by opposition parties and should not be treated as established findings of electoral fraud. The Election Commission’s position and any judicial findings must be considered separately when assessing the claims.
Opposition seeks to increase pressure on the Election Commission
The November 1 rally forms part of a broader opposition campaign against the alleged irregularities. Congress leaders want the issue to remain in public discussion and are seeking to build pressure on the government and the Election Commission.
The opposition’s demands include accountability over the SIR process and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Congress has also sought to portray the campaign as a collective effort to defend democratic institutions rather than an initiative limited to one political party.
The issue has already prompted protests in the national capital. On October 12, opposition leaders, activists and civil society representatives participated in a “March for Democracy” in Delhi. Participants also filed a joint petition challenging aspects of the SIR exercise, according to media reports.
The following day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hosted INDIA bloc leaders for a meeting at his residence. After the discussions, opposition representatives indicated that they would continue their campaign against alleged vote theft.
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“Delhi Chalo” march expected to culminate at Ramlila Maidan
According to Venugopal, the rally at Ramlila Maidan will mark the culmination of a broader “Delhi Chalo” mobilisation scheduled to reach the national capital on November 1. He has said that the campaign is expected to draw participants from different parts of India.
The Congress hopes that the rally will demonstrate unity among opposition parties and communicate its concerns about electoral transparency to a national audience. The projected participation of one million people reflects the scale of mobilisation the party says it is aiming for.
The final turnout will depend on actual participation on the day. The expected number should therefore be understood as the Congress leadership’s estimate rather than a confirmed figure.
The Delhi Police previously granted permission for the Congress to hold its November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan. Police officials have also said that arrangements will be coordinated with the organisers, traffic police and other agencies to manage security, traffic and public order.
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A test of opposition coordination
The proposed rally is an important political event for the Congress and the INDIA bloc as they seek to coordinate their response to concerns about electoral rolls. The participation of state leaders from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana highlights the party’s focus on building support beyond Delhi.
The event will also test the opposition alliance’s ability to mobilise supporters around a common demand. While the Congress has described the rally as a demonstration of unity in defence of democracy, the broader political debate will continue to depend on evidence, official responses and the outcome of any legal proceedings concerning the SIR process.
As November 1 approaches, the Congress is expected to continue its organisational preparations and outreach. The rally’s actual turnout, the participation of other INDIA bloc parties and any response from the Election Commission will be key developments to watch.
