The November 1 mobilisation followed symbolic proceedings against the Chief Election Commissioner and coincided with BJP counter-programmes.
Opposition Leaders Assemble for ‘Chalo Dilli’
The INDIA bloc brought leaders and supporters to central Delhi on November 1 for a march and public meeting at Ramlila Maidan. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined the mobilisation, which was organised under the slogan ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ and focused on objections to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Before the public meeting, several leaders gathered at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence and travelled towards the Minto Road area in an open vehicle. The procession then moved towards the rally venue, with supporters carrying party flags and raising slogans.
Allegations Over Voter Deletions
Opposition representatives cited the removal of 13.2 crore names from voter lists as a major concern. They argued that the revision could affect eligible citizens and called for clearer safeguards and greater transparency.
The figure was cited by opposition leaders as part of their criticism. The Election Commission has disputed allegations that the exercise is politically biased and says revisions are intended to identify duplicate and ineligible entries.
Demand for Accountability
The alliance renewed its demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Opposition leaders said the poll body had not adequately addressed their questions about the revision process and called for accountability in the administration of electoral rolls.
Rally Follows Symbolic CEC Proceedings
The demonstration came a day after INDIA bloc representatives held symbolic public proceedings against the Chief Election Commissioner on October 31. During that programme, opposition members presented allegations and adopted a symbolic motion by a show of hands. The event was a political demonstration rather than a formal constitutional removal process.
BJP Holds Counter-Programmes
The BJP criticised the timing of the opposition rally because November 1 is associated with the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, questioned the Congress’s decision to hold the event on that date. Party representatives also organised counter-marches in parts of Delhi and Haryana.
Security and Traffic Measures
Police personnel were deployed at key locations, with barricades, surveillance arrangements and traffic restrictions around the political programmes. The mobilisation also prompted concerns among traders about possible disruption during the festive shopping period.
The rival events brought two issues into the same day’s political debate: the opposition’s demand for electoral transparency and the BJP’s criticism of the rally’s timing.