New Delhi | November 1, 2026
Delhi has been placed under heightened security as the Congress-led INDIA bloc prepares to hold a major rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organises a separate march in West Delhi.
Nearly 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across Central and New Delhi to manage the political gatherings, maintain law and order and regulate traffic.
The INDIA bloc’s ‘Chalo Delhi’ rally is scheduled to begin at Ramlila Maidan, with opposition leaders demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities.
The BJP’s counter-march will take place in West Delhi, focusing on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
10,000 Personnel Deployed Across Delhi
Delhi Police has deployed approximately 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel, including members of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF).
More than 4,000 personnel have been stationed around Ramlila Maidan and along the proposed march route from Minto Road to the rally venue.
The security arrangements include:
- More than 200 CCTV cameras around the rally venue
- Drone surveillance and monitoring systems
- Multi-layered barricading at sensitive locations
- Security checks at entry gates
- Dedicated police control rooms
- Deployment across 14 security zones at Ramlila Maidan
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has also been imposed in sensitive areas to prevent unauthorised gatherings.
Police officials have coordinated with rally organisers to manage crowd movement and ensure emergency access.
INDIA Bloc Rally at Ramlila Maidan
The INDIA bloc’s ‘Chalo Delhi’ rally is scheduled to begin at 11 am at Ramlila Maidan.
Members of Parliament are expected to assemble at the Constitution Club before proceeding towards the rally venue from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction around noon.
Prominent opposition leaders expected to attend include Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Hemant Soren, Tejashwi Yadav and Revanth Reddy.
The opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The BJP has dismissed the opposition’s campaign and is organising a separate march in West Delhi.
BJP Organises Counter-March in West Delhi
The BJP’s march is scheduled to begin at 11:30 am from the Hari Nagar DTC bus depot and proceed towards Tilak Nagar Metro Station.
The march is being organised to remember victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, BJP leaders and members of the Sikh community are expected to participate.
Traffic restrictions may remain in place along Jail Road and nearby stretches between Lajwanti Chowk and Tilak Nagar, depending on the movement of participants.
The Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to use alternative routes during the march.
Delhi Traffic Restrictions From 10 AM to 5 PM
The Delhi Traffic Police has announced traffic restrictions and diversions in parts of Central Delhi from 10 am to 5 pm on November 1.
Several major roads are expected to experience congestion, including:
- Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
- Jawaharlal Nehru Marg
- Aruna Asaf Ali Road
- Minto Road
- Desh Bandhu Gupta Road
- Barakhamba Road
- Kasturba Gandhi Marg
- Firoz Shah Road
- Chelmsford Road
Traffic will be regulated at 10 major diversion points, including Delhi Gate, ITO, Rajghat, Ajmeri Gate, Turkman Gate, Mirdard Chowk and Jhandewalan Roundabout.
DTC bus movement may also be regulated along affected roads.
Commuters have been advised to avoid rally routes wherever possible and plan their journeys in advance. <Cite refs={[“turn962372search0″,”turn962372search3”]}/>
Alternative Routes and Emergency Arrangements
Authorities have prepared alternative routes for vehicles travelling through Central Delhi.
Vehicles heading towards Najafgarh Road and Tilak Nagar from Hari Nagar may use Sewa Marg via Lajwanti Chowk, Sagarpur T-Point and Pankha Road.
Those travelling towards Rajouri Garden may use Mayapuri Road from Lajwanti Chowk.
Special corridors have been kept clear for emergency vehicles heading towards LNJP Hospital and GB Pant Hospital.
Police have also advised railway passengers travelling to New Delhi railway station to allow additional time and consider alternative routes, particularly for access to the Ajmeri Gate entrance. <Cite refs={[“turn962372search0″,”turn962372search4”]}/>
Delhi Police Appeals to Commuters
Delhi Police has urged residents, visitors and public transport users to cooperate with security personnel and follow traffic advisories.
The restrictions are intended to ensure the smooth conduct of both political events while minimising disruption to regular traffic.
Authorities will regulate vehicle movement according to crowd conditions and may introduce additional diversions if required.
The security arrangements are expected to remain in place throughout the rallies and the scheduled traffic restriction period.
