Congress sets target of gathering 10 lakh people for November 1 rally

The Congress has set a target of gathering 10 lakh people at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on November 1 for a rally against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and on the issue of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Naseer Hussain, in a special conversation with NDTV, stated that ensuring the success of this rally is the collective responsibility of all parties in the INDIA bloc, and every party is actively involved. He added that apart from Congress, the Samajwadi Party and all Left parties have been assigned important responsibilities for this rally.

Congress leaders have resolved to demonstrate the strength of the opposition through this rally. Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal stated in a post on X that they will not rest until Gyanesh Kumar, whom he termed a puppet of Modi-Shah, is removed. He further said that if they are stopped here, they will go to Amit Shah's house and PM Modi's house to stage a major sit-in. In the context of this rally, the Congress also discussed a 'mock impeachment' programme of the Chief Election Commissioner on October 30, but the Delhi Police has clarified that they have not received any request for permission for such a separate event.

On the other hand, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) national spokesperson Vinod Bansal has launched a scathing attack on the INDIA bloc. Bansal alleged that opposition parties are hatching a conspiracy to disturb Hindu festivals and damage the national economy. Referring to the group of Congress, Communists, and 'communalist jihadis' as the 'Triple C' gang, he said this group is laying a trap to ruin the business of traders and destroy the happiness of Hindus' faith and festivals. Bansal stated that November 1 is the holy festival of Ahoi Ashtami, a fast observed by mothers for the long life of their children, and holding a rally on this day is against the interests of Hindus.

Delhi's traders' body, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), also appealed for the rally to be postponed. CTI President Brijesh Goyal wrote a letter to the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, requesting that the 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' rally be held after November 10. Traders stated that the main Diwali shopping season is underway, with Dhanteras on November 6, Diwali on November 8, and Bhai Dooj on November 10. According to CTI, business worth approximately ₹ 25,000 crore takes place in Delhi on the day of Dhanteras alone. They also noted that traders have already suffered a loss of ₹ 3,000 crore due to road closures and diversions in the month of October. Within five kilometres of Ramlila Maidan, there are 20 large wholesale and retail markets, which could be affected by traffic diversions and the closure of metro stations.

However, Congress leader Naseer Hussain presented a different argument on the traders' concerns. He said that this rally would give a major boost to local business because people coming to the rally will stay there, eat, and also shop for Diwali. He added that the production of a large number of banners, flags, and posters, and the need for vehicles to bring people, would also boost trade. Nevertheless, gathering a large crowd could be a challenge as GRAP-1 will be implemented in Delhi from November 1 due to pollution, restricting the entry of vehicles other than those with BS-VI eligibility.

Delhi Police has clarified that they have no objection from a law and order perspective to holding the rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1 from 10 am to 5 pm. However, this permission is subject to certain conditions. According to the police, the organisers will have to take prior permission from the land-owning authority. As per the conditions, high-definition CCTV cameras must be installed at entry-exit gates, the stage, and seating areas, and a control room and five screens must be maintained. The organisers will have to arrange for sufficient water tankers, separate toilets for women, and volunteers. The rally must conclude peacefully and disperse by 5 pm. No foot march or procession has been permitted outside Ramlila Maidan. If any speaker makes a speech that disturbs public peace, the public address system must be switched off immediately. Legal action may be taken for violation of conditions.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also appealed to people to join this rally through a video message. He alleged that the government only knows how to 'steal votes' and demanded the resignation of the CEC and an immediate halt to the SIR process. The main objective of the Congress is to make people understand that the government wants to snatch away their voting rights under the guise of SIR. The Congress is also planning to hold a 'mock parliament' on Friday to firmly embed this issue in people's minds.