More than 4,000 police personnel to oversee security during the INDIA bloc's rally in Delhi. (Img: X)
New Delhi: Security arrangements have been intensified across the national capital ahead of the INDIA bloc's rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday. Opposition leaders are aiming for a massive mobilisation of nearly 10 lakh people, while Delhi Police has prepared an extensive security and traffic management plan to handle the gathering.
The protest is being organised against alleged irregularities in the electoral process, with opposition parties demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The controversy centres on allegations of voter deletions and electoral manipulation during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The day's programme will begin with a march titled 'Chalo Dilli', scheduled to start from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction at noon and proceed towards Ramlila Maidan.
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The main rally is scheduled between 10 am and 5 pm. Senior INDIA bloc leaders are expected to join the mobilisation, along with representatives of opposition parties, student groups and civil society organisations.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are among the prominent leaders associated with the protest. Organisers have also appealed to young people, women, students and workers to participate.
With the possibility of a large turnout, authorities have drawn up a multi-layered security arrangement. More than 4,000 police personnel, supported by Central Armed Police Forces, will be deployed along the route and at the venue.
Ramlila Maidan has been divided into 14 security zones, each monitored by an assistant commissioner of police-rank officer. Surveillance will be strengthened through more than 200 CCTV cameras, drones and body-worn cameras.
A dedicated control room has also been established inside the ground to monitor the situation.
Although organisers expect around 10 lakh participants, police estimates suggest attendance could be approximately 50,000. The venue can accommodate around 45,000-50,000 people without additional arrangements, but the usable capacity may drop to 30,000-40,000 after installing seating and barricaded enclosures.
Traffic restrictions will remain in place between 10 am and 5 pm in several parts of the city. Diversions are planned around ITO, Delhi Gate, Rajghat, Ajmeri Gate and Turkman Gate.
Commuters have been advised to avoid Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Minto Road and Desh Bandhu Gupta Road. Special provisions will ensure emergency vehicles can access LNJP and GB Pant hospitals.
The rally follows a symbolic public impeachment proceeding against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, organised by INDIA bloc leaders at Kharge's residence on Saturday.
The proceedings, chaired by former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, culminated in the adoption of a resolution outlining the Opposition's allegations and seeking Kumar's removal.
The upcoming demonstration is expected to intensify the political confrontation over electoral transparency and the functioning of the Election Commission.
