The opposition INDIA bloc will hold its "Chalo Dilli" rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, November 1, from 10 am to 5 pm, in the biggest show of strength yet in its campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Delhi Police has issued a no-objection certificate for the gathering, but with six firm conditions, and it says no permission has been sought for the march Rahul Gandhi has called for.
The rally comes a day after the bloc's symbolic "public impeachment" of the CEC, which was shifted to Saturday afternoon because of rain, and on the same day the BJP has planned counter-programmes in the capital.
The six conditions set by Delhi Police
The police NOC remains subject to approval from the land-owning authority and compliance with its directions. Officers have said non-compliance could lead to the NOC being revoked. These are the six conditions, in brief:
- Finish by 5 pm: The programme must end on time and participants must start dispersing immediately. No extensions and no overnight stays are allowed.
- CCTV and control room: High-definition cameras must cover the entry and exit gates, the stage and seating areas, with recording facilities and a control room with at least five monitoring screens.
- No march outside: Participants cannot march from Ramlila Maidan to any other destination, and the gathering must remain peaceful.
- Speech limits: No remarks on caste, creed or colour that disturb public harmony. If a speech turns provocative, the sound system will be switched off and the speaker removed.
- Facilities: Organisers must provide drinking water, enough toilets with separate facilities for women, identifiable volunteers, and park vehicles only at spots fixed by traffic police.
- Paperwork: Lists of invitees and volunteers, a minute-by-minute schedule and details of buses, including registration numbers, must be shared with police.
Confusion over Rahul Gandhi's march
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has urged people to join a march to the venue, with routes mentioned from Connaught Place and Minto Road to Ramlila Maidan. Delhi Police has said the Congress did not inform it about any such march. A senior official told the Hindustan Times, "We cannot comment anything in advance on the alleged proposed march that has been announced for November," adding that the situation is being monitored.
In his appeal, Gandhi said the march is not one political party's programme, inviting everyone who wants to "save democracy and defend the Constitution" and stop what the opposition calls "vote chori". Earlier this week he also told supporters not to worry about police action.
Security arrangements
Reports say about 3,500 security personnel will be deployed, with more than 200 CCTV cameras and the ground divided into 14 zones. Jantar Mantar was ruled out as a venue before Ramlila Maidan was cleared. Traders' bodies had earlier urged restrictions on large protests in commercial areas during the festive season, citing traffic jams and losses.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | INDIA bloc 'Chalo Dilli' rally |
| Venue | Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi |
| Date | Sunday, November 1, 2026 |
| Timing | 10 am to 5 pm |
| Main demand | Accountability from CEC Gyanesh Kumar over SIR |
| March permission | Not sought, according to Delhi Police |
| Security | About 3,500 personnel, 200+ CCTV cameras, 14 zones |
Why the opposition is protesting
The INDIA bloc alleges that the Election Commission's SIR exercise and the conduct of CEC Gyanesh Kumar are undermining voters' rights, and has demanded his resignation. Congress leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh, along with leaders from the TMC, Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena (UBT), the Left parties and RJD, have presented a joint front. "This is not multiple protests. This is one protest," Gandhi said on Friday. The BJP, for its part, is planning its own padyatras in Delhi on the same day to counter the rally.
What it means for Delhi residents
Commuters should expect heavy traffic and possible diversions around central Delhi, especially near Ramlila Maidan, Minto Road, Connaught Place, Ajmeri Gate and Delhi Gate, through Sunday. Checking Delhi Traffic Police advisories before stepping out and using the Metro where possible would be sensible.
What happens next
All eyes will be on the turnout, whether the march goes ahead without permission, and how the police respond. The speeches will also show whether the opposition's campaign against the CEC moves from street protests to fresh parliamentary or legal steps in the coming weeks.
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