The INDIA bloc launched a major political mobilisation against alleged ‘vote chori’, with Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Akhilesh Yadav among the prominent leaders expected to address the rally at Ramlila Maidan.
BY PC Bureau
November 1: Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan witnessed a major show of opposition strength on Sunday as thousands of supporters from across the country gathered for the INDIA bloc’s ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally, accusing the Election Commission of undermining electoral democracy through alleged manipulation of voter lists.
The rally, held under the broader ‘Chalo Dilli’ campaign, centres on opposition allegations that the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has resulted in the deletion of names of eligible voters on a large scale. The opposition has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, greater transparency in the electoral process and a return to paper ballots in place of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Supporters began arriving at Ramlila Maidan early in the morning, with contingents from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and several other states joining the gathering. Protesters carried party flags and banners and raised slogans including “Vote chor, gaddi chhod”, accusing the ruling establishment of compromising the integrity of elections.
Computer baba along with many Saadhu & Sants joined Chalo Dilli, Ramlila Maidan Rally 🔥
This itself destroyed the propaganda by BJP RSS.
Afterall, Sant Samaj know RSS BJP are Chanda Chor and they also did vote chori.
BJP RSS destroyed hindu faith as well and constitution and institutions of India.
Rahul Gandhi is Jannayak who is loved and supported by people accross India.
— Arpit Srivastava (@congressispeaks) October 31, 2026
The INDIA bloc has projected the rally as a national campaign to defend voting rights and democratic institutions. Many participants travelled long distances to attend the demonstration, despite reports of delays and restrictions on routes leading to the capital.
The programme includes a ‘Chalo Dilli’ march scheduled to begin at noon from the Minto Road–Connaught Place junction. The procession will pass through Ajmeri Gate before reaching Ramlila Maidan. Leaders of around 21 INDIA bloc parties are expected to participate, including Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Several senior leaders are expected to travel together in open buses from Kharge’s residence.
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VIDEO | Delhi: Scenes from Ramlila Maidan where INDIA bloc is going to hold ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally today. The supporters have started gathering at the protest site.
#INDIABloc #ChaloDilli #VoteBachaoDeshBachao https://t.co/FXrS4zoeT8
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 1, 2026
Heavy security, traffic restrictions across Delhi
Authorities have deployed thousands of police and paramilitary personnel to manage the gathering and prevent any untoward incident. Reports indicate that more than 4,000 personnel are part of the security arrangements, with some estimates putting the overall deployment across related events at nearly 10,000.
Hundreds of CCTV cameras, drones and facial recognition systems are also being used for surveillance. Delhi Police has announced traffic restrictions and diversions across central Delhi between 10 am and 5 pm, particularly around Minto Road, Connaught Place, Ajmeri Gate and Ramlila Maidan.
The rally follows a symbolic ‘public impeachment’ or mock parliamentary proceeding against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar held a day earlier at Kharge’s residence. The opposition has used the exercise to intensify its campaign against the Election Commission’s handling of electoral rolls and its response to allegations of voter deletion.
The mobilisation has also triggered concerns among traders’ organisations, which have warned that traffic restrictions and disruption during the festive shopping season could affect business in central Delhi.
Meanwhile, the BJP is organising a separate counter-march in West Delhi linked to the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, setting the stage for competing political mobilisations in the national capital.
The INDIA bloc’s rally marks one of its largest coordinated street demonstrations in recent months. Its principal message is that alleged irregularities in electoral rolls threaten the foundation of representative democracy. The scale of participation and the speeches by opposition leaders are expected to determine the next phase of the alliance’s campaign against the Election Commission and the government.
