10,000 Security Personnel Deployed Ahead of INDIA Bloc’s Anti-CEC Protest in Delhi

Nearly 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across central Delhi ahead of a major protest by the Opposition INDIA bloc against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday, November 1.

The demonstration, dubbed the ‘Chalo Dilli’ march, is aimed at protesting alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanding Kumar’s resignation.

The march is expected to begin near the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction before proceeding towards Ramlila Maidan, where the Opposition has organised a rally. The INDIA bloc has projected a turnout of nearly one million people, while Delhi Police is preparing for approximately 50,000 participants, based on the venue’s capacity.

Heavy security arrangements across central Delhi

According to police officials, the security deployment includes around 3,000 Delhi Police personnel and 7,000 paramilitary personnel. An additional 10 companies of security forces have been kept on standby to deal with any eventuality.

Authorities have also installed nearly 250 high-definition, AI-enabled CCTV cameras to monitor the gathering. Drones, body-worn cameras, barricades and anti-riot equipment will form part of the security arrangements.

Ramlila Maidan has been divided into eight security zones, each supervised by senior police officers. The arrangements also include a dedicated passage for emergency vehicles and provisions for the evacuation of senior political leaders if required.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Rohit Rajbir Singh said organisers had not formally approached the police for permission to conduct the proposed march, but authorities were coordinating with them to facilitate the event.

The rally at Ramlila Maidan has been permitted between 10 am and 5 pm, subject to specified conditions.

Traffic restrictions announced

Delhi Traffic Police has announced restrictions and diversions across several parts of central Delhi between 10 am and 5 pm.

Traffic diversions are expected at 10 major intersections, including Delhi Gate, ITO, Rajghat, Ajmeri Gate, Turkman Gate and Mirdard Chowk.

Roads likely to experience congestion include Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Minto Road, Aruna Asaf Ali Road, Desh Bandhu Gupta Road and Barakhamba Road.

Bus services may also face diversions, while commuters have been advised to use the Delhi Metro to avoid delays. A dedicated corridor will remain available for ambulances travelling to LNJP and GB Pant hospitals.

Opposition accuses CEC of electoral irregularities

The protest follows weeks of confrontation between the INDIA bloc and the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission of manipulating voter lists and facilitating electoral irregularities through the revision exercise. They have also questioned the functioning of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and demanded his resignation.

On Saturday, INDIA bloc leaders held a symbolic public impeachment of Kumar at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in New Delhi.

Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar presided over the proceedings, during which Opposition leaders adopted a resolution outlining six allegations against the Chief Election Commissioner.

The allegations included claims of electoral manipulation, deletion of voters during the SIR exercise, changes to voter registration procedures and a lack of transparency in the functioning of the Election Commission.

The Opposition also accused Kumar of acting in favour of the ruling BJP, a charge that has not been established.

BJP rejects Opposition’s allegations

The BJP has criticised the INDIA bloc’s campaign, accusing Opposition leaders of undermining constitutional institutions and politicising the Election Commission.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to provide evidence for allegations that authorities were preventing people from travelling to Delhi to participate in the protest.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also offered to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss the Opposition’s allegations of vote theft.

The Election Commission, meanwhile, has defended its decisions, maintaining that major decisions concerning the SIR exercise were taken collectively and unanimously by the three Election Commissioners.

The INDIA bloc has said it will continue its campaign in different states and plans to submit what it describes as evidence of electoral irregularities to President Droupadi Murmu.

Sunday’s demonstration is expected to be a major show of strength by the Opposition as its confrontation with the Election Commission over electoral reforms and voter-list revisions intensifies.