The Delhi Police has granted the Indian National 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 involving rallies and marches to address the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue.
Permission Granted for Rally
The Delhi Police issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) allowing the Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan from October 25 to November 3, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Rohit Rajbir Singh. The organisers approached the police seeking the necessary approval to hold the event at the designated protest site.
INDIA Bloc’s Joint Action Plan
On September 30, the INDIA bloc agreed on a coordinated plan concerning the SIR row, which included rallies and ‘save democracy marches’. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the demand for elections to be held with ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Kharge also announced the party’s intention to organise a mega rally in Delhi on November 1.
Police Preparedness and Coordination
Delhi Police confirmed ongoing coordination with organisers, traffic police, and other agencies to manage traffic, maintain law and order, and ensure the rally proceeds smoothly. The police are making arrangements to support the large-scale event.
Background on the SIR Row
INDIA bloc’s recent meeting followed reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally objected at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions on the SIR that they claimed lacked their knowledge or endorsement. Despite these concerns, the Election Commission stated that differing views are normal and that all decisions carry full legal sanction and follow the required procedures.
