Delhi Protests November 1 INDIA Bloc Rally at Ramlila Maidan, BJP March in Hari Nagar

New Delhi prepares for November 1 protests as the INDIA bloc holds a rally at Ramlila Maidan while the BJP plans a march over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

By News National Editorial Team

NEW DELHI, October 31, 2026: New Delhi is preparing for major political demonstrations on November 1, with the opposition INDIA bloc and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) planning separate protest programmes in different parts of the national capital.

The main event will be a large INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan, organised by the Congress and its opposition allies. The rally is aimed at protesting alleged irregularities in electoral rolls, opposing the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Meanwhile, the Delhi BJP has announced a separate protest march in West Delhi over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, creating the prospect of competing political demonstrations on the same day.

INDIA bloc to hold major rally at Ramlila Maidan

The opposition alliance has called for a large public gathering at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 under its broader campaign, 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao'.

The parties are raising concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged irregularities in the voter-list revision process.

Opposition leaders have questioned the removal of names from electoral rolls and demanded greater transparency and accountability from the Election Commission.

The INDIA bloc is also demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the handling of electoral processes has raised concerns about the independence and credibility of the Election Commission.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders are expected to be central figures in the political mobilisation.

According to reports, the alliance has invited leaders from several opposition parties to participate in the November 1 gathering.

Delhi Police grants permission with conditions

The Delhi Police has granted a no-objection certificate for the Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan, subject to specified conditions and necessary permissions from the land-owning authority.

The rally is scheduled between 10 AM and 5 PM. Organisers have been instructed to ensure adequate security, crowd management, CCTV surveillance, drinking water facilities and sanitation arrangements.

Police have also directed organisers to maintain peace and prevent violence or disruption. Participants will not be permitted to organise a march to locations outside Ramlila Maidan under the conditions reported by the authorities.

Security and traffic arrangements are expected to be coordinated with the relevant agencies to manage the gathering.

BJP announces separate protest march over 1984 anti-Sikh riots

In a separate political development, the Delhi BJP has announced a protest march in the Hari Nagar area of West Delhi on November 1.

The BJP's demonstration is focused on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and its demand that the Congress apologise to the Sikh community.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is expected to lead the march, which will also involve various Sikh organisations, according to the BJP announcement.

Delhi BJP president and Union Minister Harsh Malhotra criticised the Congress for choosing November 1 for its opposition rally, arguing that the date carries painful memories for the Sikh community because of the violence in 1984.

The BJP has also raised concerns about potential traffic disruption and the impact of the large gathering on local businesses.

These statements represent the BJP's position in the political dispute.

Political tensions ahead of November 1

The two planned demonstrations highlight the continuing political confrontation between the ruling BJP and opposition parties over electoral processes and historical accountability.

The opposition's campaign centres on concerns about voter registration, electoral transparency and the role of the Election Commission. The BJP, meanwhile, has criticised the timing of the Congress rally and is highlighting the 1984 riots.

The Election Commission and BJP have denied allegations of wrongdoing in the broader controversy surrounding electoral roll revisions.

With two politically significant demonstrations planned in different parts of Delhi, police and traffic authorities face the task of maintaining public order and minimising disruption.

Residents and commuters are advised to follow official Delhi Police traffic advisories before travelling on November 1.

The developments will make November 1 an important day for political demonstrations and public debate in the national capital.

Sources:

• The Indian Express – Congress rally permission and INDIA bloc plans.

• The Tribune – November 1 INDIA bloc rally.

• ThePrint/PTI – BJP protest march in West Delhi.

• Hindustan Times – Delhi Police conditions for the Ramlila Maidan rally.

• Reuters – Background on the electoral roll controversy.