New Delhi witnessed a major political showdown on Sunday as thousands of opposition supporters gathered at Ramlila Maidan for the INDIA bloc’s ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally. Led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the protest targeted the Election Commission over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Rahul Gandhi Leads Opposition March
Several prominent opposition leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Tejashwi Yadav, participated in the political mobilisation.
Senior INDIA bloc leaders assembled at Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence before proceeding towards the march. The procession moved from the Minto Road and Connaught Place junction towards Ramlila Maidan.
The opposition has accused the Election Commission of facilitating large-scale voter deletions through the SIR exercise. The alliance has raised concerns over electoral transparency and the protection of voting rights.
BJP Organises Counter-March
The political atmosphere in Delhi intensified as the BJP organised a separate march in West Delhi to remember the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The march began in the Hari Nagar area and was scheduled to conclude near Tilak Nagar Metro Station.
The BJP questioned the timing of the INDIA bloc’s demonstration, bringing the 1984 riots into the political debate.
Heavy Security Across Delhi
Authorities deployed more than 4,000 security personnel around Ramlila Maidan and the main protest route. Nearly 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across the wider security arrangements for both political events.
The rally venue was divided into 14 security zones, with CCTV cameras and drones being used for surveillance. Traffic restrictions and diversions were also introduced across several parts of central Delhi.
With thousands participating in rival political demonstrations, the SIR controversy and the Election Commission’s role have become the centre of a major political confrontation.