INDIA Bloc Marches to Ramlila Maidan Over Electoral Roll Integrity

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi renewed a call for supporters to march from Connaught Place and Minto Road toward Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. The demonstration brought together key figures, lawmakers, and cadres from across the INDIA bloc, alongside civil society members and activists from the Students' Federation of India.

Protesters raised concerns regarding the Election Commission, pointing to alleged voter exclusions and demanding a clean voter register. Organizers, who called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, stated that public demonstrations became necessary after avenues to voice concerns in Parliament, with the President, or before the Supreme Court were blocked.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party strongly criticized the opposition rally, describing it as an attempt to cause anarchy in the capital and launch political dynasts. The party staged its own counter-protests, including a march in West Delhi commemorating the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, and accused the opposition of lacking public support.

In response to the demonstrations, Delhi Police put extensive security measures and traffic restrictions in place. Roadways surrounding Ramlila Maidan, Minto Bridge, and Delhi Gate experienced closures through the evening, though metro rail operations continued to run without disruption across the city.