New Delhi, Nov 2026 : Leaders of the INDIA bloc began a march from Minto Bridge towards Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Sunday, with several Opposition leaders travelling in an open bus as the alliance held its “Save the Vote, Save the Nation” rally.
The demonstration brought together leaders and workers from Opposition parties, along with student organisations and civil society representatives. Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and other senior leaders were expected to participate.
The march began from the Connaught Place area, proceeded through Minto Road junction and Ajmeri Gate, and was scheduled to culminate at Ramlila Maidan. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had appealed to people to join the rally in large numbers.
Delhi Police remained on high alert, with more than 4,000 police personnel and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) members deployed along the route and at the venue. Ramlila Maidan was divided into 14 security zones, each to be monitored by an officer of Assistant Commissioner of Police rank.
Rahul Gandhi urges people to join march and support local traders
Rahul Gandhi called on Delhi residents and Opposition supporters to participate in the demonstration, either by joining the march from Connaught Place or assembling directly at Ramlila Maidan.
In a social media message, the Congress leader urged people to take part in the campaign, saying the protest was aimed at protecting voting rights and the country’s democratic institutions.
The rally also drew attention from Delhi’s trading community. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), a leading organisation representing traders and entrepreneurs, had expressed concern over the event and appealed to Gandhi not to disrupt business during the festive season.
Responding to the concerns, Gandhi said the festival period, including Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj, offered an opportunity for visitors arriving in Delhi to support local businesses.
“Protest, march and rally, but also do a little shopping. It will benefit the traders,” Gandhi said, urging participants to combine their political demonstration with purchases from local markets.
Opposition renews demand for CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation
Opposition leaders from the Congress, Samajwadi Party and Shiv Sena (UBT) renewed their demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the Election Commission had failed to adequately address concerns over electoral rolls.
Congress MP Ranjeeta Ranjan sought an explanation regarding alleged voter deletions, while Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj called for a factual response to the Opposition’s allegations.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said the agitation would continue until Kumar resigned. He also alleged that trains and buses carrying protesters were being stopped.
The INDIA bloc has maintained that its campaign is intended to raise concerns about alleged electoral irregularities and protect citizens’ voting rights. The Election Commission’s role and the integrity of electoral rolls have been central issues in the Opposition’s recent protests.
Police announce security and traffic arrangements
Police intensified security around Ramlila Maidan and along the march route to manage the expected gathering. Central district Deputy Commissioner of Police Rohit Rajbir Singh said the venue could accommodate approximately 45,000 to 50,000 people.
Authorities said additional crowds might need to be accommodated on surrounding roads to prevent overcrowding. Traffic restrictions were also introduced in parts of the area.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vijayanta Goyal Arya said some restrictions on heavy vehicles were in place near the venue. Traffic at ITO was reported to be normal, although movement on Minto Road between New Delhi and Central Delhi could be affected.
Police said access for emergency services, hospitals and New Delhi Railway Station would be maintained.
Traders warn of losses during festive shopping period
The CTI warned that around 2.5 lakh shops could remain closed because of the rally, affecting business in several major markets during the festive shopping period.
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal questioned how rally participants could support traders through shopping if market closures prevented businesses from operating. The organisation estimated that trade worth Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 12,000 crore could be at risk.
BJP and NDA criticise Opposition protest
BJP and NDA leaders criticised the rally, accusing the INDIA bloc of undermining confidence in constitutional institutions and causing inconvenience to Delhi residents.
JD(U) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan alleged that Congress and its allies questioned the Election Commission’s credibility when election results went against them. BJP leader Narendra Kashyap also questioned the unity of the INDIA bloc, arguing that its constituent parties often competed against one another in elections.
Meanwhile, workers from the Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal gathered at their leaders’ residences before heading to the venue. Members of the Students’ Federation of India also marched from Surjeet Bhawan towards Ramlila Maidan.
Congress leaders described the mobilisation as a campaign to defend constitutional rights, with party MP Pramod Tiwari likening the protest to a second freedom struggle.
