INDIA bloc begins anti-SIR march in Delhi as thousands gather
Opposition leaders demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities.
The INDIA bloc began a march from the Minto Road–Connaught Place junction in Delhi on Sunday, November 1, as thousands gathered at Ramlila Maidan. The protest seeks the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar following allegations of electoral manipulation and large-scale voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and other opposition leaders participated in the mobilisation. The INDIA bloc expected up to 10 lakh people to join, while Delhi Police estimated a turnout of around 50,000.
Rahul Gandhi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of forcibly shutting shops in Connaught Place. He alleged the move caused financial losses to local traders who had been encouraged to shop in the area.
Delhi Police deployed more than 4,000 personnel and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies along the route and at Ramlila Maidan. Security measures include 200 CCTV cameras, drones, and body-worn cameras for surveillance.
Traffic restrictions are in place across parts of Delhi between 10 am and 5 pm. Diversions are planned at intersections including ITO, Delhi Gate, Rajghat, Ajmeri Gate, and Turkman Gate.