Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has invited people to participate in a march from Connaught Place to Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on November 1. The march is planned ahead of a major rally organised by the INDIA bloc, which is expected to focus on concerns over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission of India.
Rahul Gandhi announced the proposed march through a post on social media platform X on October 31. He invited political leaders, party workers, civil society representatives, journalists and members of the public to join the programme. His announcement comes as Opposition parties prepare to gather in the national capital to raise their concerns about the electoral process.
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According to the schedule shared by Rahul Gandhi, the march will begin at 12 noon on November 1 from the Minto Road junction near Connaught Place. Participants are expected to proceed towards Ajmeri Gate before reaching Ramlila Maidan, where the INDIA bloc rally is scheduled to take place.
However, the proposed march has become a subject of discussion after Delhi Police sources stated that no formal application had been received seeking permission for a procession from Connaught Place. Officials from the New Delhi and Central district police reportedly said they had not been informed about the proposed march.
The police clarification concerns the procession from Connaught Place to Ramlila Maidan. It is important to distinguish this from the rally itself. Delhi Police has granted permission for the INDIA bloc gathering at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. The venue has been booked for the organisers from October 25 to November 3, according to reports.
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Police sources have also stated that Members of Parliament and political leaders can travel in their private vehicles to locations such as the Constitution Club or the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The police have not publicly confirmed whether participants would be allowed to proceed along the entire proposed march route.
Another issue highlighted by the police is the enforcement of restrictions on public gatherings in parts of New Delhi. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita is in force in the New Delhi area, including locations near the Election Commission. The provision allows authorities to issue orders to prevent potential disturbances and regulate certain gatherings. Police have also referred to Jantar Mantar, which is no longer notified as a designated protest location.
Meanwhile, extensive security arrangements are being planned for the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan. Police personnel from several districts, including the Central District, are expected to be deployed. Paramilitary personnel will also assist with security arrangements. A report published on October 31 said that around 3,500 police personnel, CCTV surveillance and 14 security zones were being planned for the event. Traffic restrictions were also expected between 10 am and 5 pm.
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The rally is part of the Opposition alliance’s campaign against the Special Intensive Revision, commonly known as SIR. The exercise involves reviewing electoral rolls to identify and address inaccuracies in voter registration records. Opposition parties have raised concerns about the transparency of the process and the possibility of eligible voters losing their names from the electoral rolls.
The INDIA bloc has also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition leaders have accused the Election Commission of failing to address their concerns about voter list revisions and election procedures. These allegations have been rejected by the Election Commission, which has defended its decisions and the process followed for the revision exercise.
Alongside the November 1 rally, Opposition leaders have organised a symbolic public impeachment programme against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The programme was scheduled for October 31 at 3.30 pm at 10, Rajaji Marg, the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
The programme was initially planned for October 30 but was postponed because of rain in Delhi. Rahul Gandhi said the decision to reschedule it was taken after discussions among the leaders to avoid inconvenience to senior participants. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar was expected to preside over the symbolic programme.
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The term public impeachment used by the Opposition refers to a symbolic political programme. It is not the same as a formal constitutional impeachment or removal proceeding against the Chief Election Commissioner. The INDIA bloc intends to use the event to present its allegations and explain its demand for accountability from the Election Commission.
The Opposition’s activities on October 31 and November 1 are connected to its wider campaign on electoral transparency. The alliance has called for changes to the voter list revision process and raised questions about the independence and functioning of the Election Commission. The ruling party and the Election Commission have maintained their respective positions amid the continuing political debate.
With Rahul Gandhi’s proposed march and the INDIA bloc rally scheduled for November 1, security and traffic arrangements in central Delhi are likely to remain important issues. The distinction between permission for the rally and the absence of a permission application for the march is also central to the latest developments.
The November 1 gathering is expected to bring together Opposition leaders and supporters from different parts of the country. The event will provide the INDIA bloc with an opportunity to raise its concerns about SIR and election procedures. Further developments will depend on the arrangements made by the organisers and the decisions taken by the Delhi Police regarding the proposed procession.
