The Delhi Police on Saturday, October 31, 2026, clarified that while official permission has been granted for the INDIA bloc’s “Chalo Dilli” mega rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, November 1, no formal request or intimation has been submitted for a foot march from Connaught Place.
The clarification follows statements made by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi during an Instagram “Ask Me” session, where he urged citizens to gather for a march beginning at noon from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction and proceeding to Ramlila Maidan.
Police Status on Permits and Route Intimation
Senior officers from both the New Delhi and Central police districts confirmed that while the venue reservation for Ramlila Maidan is secured, the proposed procession route remains unapproved:
- Venue Status: Organisers have officially booked Ramlila Maidan from October 25 to November 3, and conditional clearance for the November 1 gathering is in effect.
- March Route: Neither district police office has received an official application or route plan for the proposed rally march originating at the Connaught Place-Minto Road intersection.
- Security Logistics: Senior officials refrained from confirming whether security forces will intercept or divert marchers should opposition leaders attempt to proceed on foot toward the venue on Sunday.
Escalating Agitation Over Electoral Rolls
The Sunday gathering represents the culmination of a month-long opposition campaign targeting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls:
- Core Demands: Immediate resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, a complete freeze on the SIR exercise, and the repeal of the 2023 Election Commission appointment law.
- Broad Support: The demonstration has drawn backing from student wings, including AISA led by Neha Bora, alongside independent groups like the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
- Impeachment Sitting: The INDIA bloc is scheduled to hold its postponed “public impeachment” mock session against the CEC on Saturday afternoon, leading into Sunday’s mass demonstration.
