NEW DELHI — Central Delhi witnessed intense political activity on Sunday as the INDIA bloc initiated its ‘Chalo Dilli’ march toward Ramlila Maidan, countered by parallel rallies organized by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) across the capital region.
Spearheaded by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the Opposition’s processional march—demanding the step-down of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter list deletions—moves from the Minto Road–Connaught Place intersection to its final assembly point at Ramlila Maidan.
Mass Security Measures and Citywide Directives
To maintain order amid intersecting protest routes, law enforcement agencies have implemented strict security measures:
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Security Personnel: An estimated 10,000 security personnel, including units from the Delhi Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), CRPF, and Rapid Action Force (RAF), have been stationed across vital sectors.
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Access Control: Extensive checkpoints and traffic diversions are active around the Constitution Club and main arterial routes feeding into central market hubs and Ramlila Maidan.
BJP Mobilizes Counter-Demonstrations
The BJP has staged targeted counter-protests challenging both the theme and timing of the Opposition’s mobilization:
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West Delhi Anti-Sikh Riots Remembrance: The BJP launched a march through Hari Nagar terminating at the Tilak Nagar metro station, focusing on the memory of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims and criticizing the Congress leadership for organizing a major political event on the solemn anniversary.
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Rohtak Mobilization: In neighboring Haryana, BJP National President Nitin Nabin is heading a ‘Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao’ rally in Rohtak to counter the Opposition’s narrative and political campaign.
