New Delhi, October 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Delhi Police has drawn up an extensive security and surveillance plan for the Congress-led INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, deploying around 3,500 personnel, installing surveillance arrangements involving more than 200 CCTV cameras and dividing the venue into 14 security zones.
The arrangements are aimed at managing a potentially large gathering, maintaining law and order and regulating the movement of political leaders and supporters. Ten companies of reserve forces are also expected to be stationed for the event.
Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range, Madhur Verma, said each of the 14 zones would be supervised by an Assistant Commissioner of Police-rank officer, while two zones would be monitored by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police-rank officers.
The security grid will also include body-worn cameras, surveillance-equipped vehicles and control rooms to monitor the venue and surrounding areas. Police officials have been coordinating with rally organisers, traffic authorities and other agencies.
INDIA bloc leaders are expected to travel in open buses from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence to Minto Road before proceeding to the venue. MPs will travel separately from the Constitution Club to Minto Bridge and march on foot to Ramlila Maidan.
The rally is part of the Opposition’s protests against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The INDIA bloc is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition leaders have claimed that more than one million people could attend.
Delhi Police issued a no-objection certificate for the rally on Friday. Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police has announced restrictions and diversions across several parts of the capital between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on November 1.
Depending on traffic conditions, diversions may be enforced at key points, including Netaji Subhash Marg T-point, Rajghat, Delhi Gate, ITO A-point, Ajmeri Gate, Ranjeet Singh Flyover, Jhandewalan roundabout, Turkman Gate and Mirdard Chowk.
The expected movement of thousands of buses and private vehicles carrying leaders and supporters is likely to put additional pressure on traffic in central Delhi.
Congress MP Mallu Ravi, who visited the venue with Telangana MPs to review preparations, said arrangements were being made on a large scale and that a substantial number of people were expected to attend.
The rally has also triggered concern among traders in the surrounding markets. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged Rahul Gandhi to postpone the gathering until after November 10, citing the potential impact of traffic restrictions and barricading on business during the festive season.
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said access to markets could become difficult for customers, particularly with Dhanteras and Diwali approaching. The traders’ body has announced plans for a poster campaign across 20 markets around Ramlila Maidan.
The security review follows a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Delhi Police headquarters on October 24. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and senior police officials attended the nearly four-hour meeting, which reviewed the law-and-order situation, including protests related to the Election Commission and the SIR exercise.
Rahul Gandhi has indicated that the Opposition alliance will go ahead with the rally. In a post on X, he said the protest could be stopped in “30 seconds” if Prime Minister Narendra Modi “sacked” Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
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