The Delhi Police has granted the Congress permission to hold a large rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. This move comes after the INDIA bloc finalized a joint action plan to address election-related concerns.
Permission Granted for November 1 Rally
A senior police official confirmed that the Indian National Congress (INC) has received a no-objection certificate (NOC) for holding a rally at Ramlila Maidan. The NOC is valid from October 25 to November 3, allowing the party to organize the event within this period.
INDIA Bloc’s Joint Plan and Political Statements
On September 30, the INDIA bloc finalized a joint action plan relating to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) controversy. This plan includes rallies and ‘save democracy marches.’ Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated that all parties agreed that elections should be held with ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). He also announced that Congress would organize a mega rally in Delhi on November 1.
Police Coordination and Law Enforcement Measures
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central), Rohit Rajbir Singh, said the Delhi Police is in continuous coordination with the organizers, traffic police, and other agencies. Their efforts aim to ensure proper law-and-order arrangements, effective traffic management, and smooth conduct of the rally.
Background on the SIR Controversy
The INDIA bloc’s recent meeting followed a report from The Indian Express highlighting objections by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. Over the past ten months, they reportedly raised at least 14 objections to decisions related to the SIR process, noting that some orders were issued without their knowledge or recommendation.
In response to these concerns, the Election Commission stated that differing views are typical in institutional decision-making, and all orders have full legal sanction and comply with statutory procedures.
