BJP and INDIA bloc hold rival marches; Delhi placed under tight security

NEW DELHI: The national capital is witnessing rival marches by the ruling BJP and the Opposition INDIA bloc, with security tightened across the city. While the Opposition is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the BJP is holding a march highlighting the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The INDIA bloc's 'Delhi Chalo' mega rally, bringing together 21 Opposition parties, is under way, with leaders, including Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, marching to Ramlila Maidan. The march began at noon from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction and proceeded towards Ramlila Maidan via Ajmeri Gate. Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi are leading the rally.

From Kerala, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, ministers Ramesh Chennithala, Sunny Joseph, A.P. Anilkumar, T. Siddique, Bindu Krishna, K.A. Thulasi, Roji M. John and O.J. Janeesh are participating in the rally. Around 20 other ministers and KPCC leaders are also attending. Thousands of workers from various political parties have joined the march.

Meanwhile, the BJP's march in West Delhi, held in memory of those killed in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, has also begun. The march is proceeding from Hari Nagar bus depot towards Tilak Nagar Metro Station. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, H.S. Phoolka, Manjinder Singh Sirsa and BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj are among those participating. Survivors of the anti-Sikh riots and family members of those killed are also taking part in the protest.

Meanwhile, traders in the national capital have raised objections to the INDIA bloc rally. They argue that road closures and traffic congestion during the Diwali season could prevent customers from reaching shops and affect business.

With both marches underway, nearly 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel, including Delhi Police, CAPF, CRPF and RAF personnel, have been deployed across Central and New Delhi. Security has been strengthened with barricades and additional arrangements in Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar, Bhagwan Das Road and areas near the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of India office. Traffic restrictions remain in force in parts of Central Delhi until 5 pm.