New Delhi, November 1: Thousands of supporters gathered in New Delhi on Sunday as the INDIA bloc launched its mega 'Chalo Dilli' march from Minto Road towards Ramlila Maidan, intensifying its protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls.

The march, which began at the Minto Road–Connaught Place junction, is part of the Opposition alliance's nationwide campaign against alleged discrepancies in voter lists during the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The protest follows a symbolic 'impeachment' programme organised by Opposition leaders in the national capital on October 31.

Several prominent Opposition leaders participated in the rally, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, CPI leader D Raja, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav. Their participation highlighted the Opposition's effort to present a united front against the Election Commission.

Large crowds started arriving at the venue early in the morning, prompting extensive security arrangements by Delhi Police. Authorities had anticipated a turnout of around 45,000 to 50,000 people. Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory announcing traffic diversions and restrictions across several parts of Central Delhi between 10 am and 5 pm to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles.

Ahead of the march, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi posted a video on social media platform X, alleging that shops in Connaught Place had been forcibly closed by the BJP to disrupt business during the Opposition's programme.

"We told everyone that when you come here for the march and the mega rally, buy things and do some shopping. But while coming to Connaught Place, we found out that the BJP had forcibly shut down every single shop. So, you should know who is causing losses to traders and how it is happening," Gandhi said in the video.

The INDIA bloc has alleged that the SIR exercise has resulted in the widespread deletion of genuine voters, particularly those belonging to marginalised, backward and minority communities. The Opposition has accused the Election Commission of failing to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and demanded the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi welcomed the large turnout, describing the public response as a significant moment for the country.

"The support we are receiving from across the country and from the people is significant. I believe this is a crucial moment for the nation. We are all coming together, and there is strength in unity," Gogoi told ANI.

Delhi Police, meanwhile, said adequate arrangements had been made to maintain law and order throughout the programme. Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Devesh Srivastava said the situation remained peaceful and that police personnel were coordinating with the organisers to ensure the rally proceeded without disruption.

"As you can see, we are managing the law and order situation, and everything is peaceful. People are arriving, and we are in touch with the organisers. All arrangements are in place to ensure the programme proceeds peacefully, with the necessary safety and security measures," Srivastava said.

In a parallel political development, the ruling BJP organised a counter-march in West Delhi to commemorate the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The BJP accused the Congress of holding a political programme on the anniversary of the violence.

Union Minister JP Nadda also criticised the INDIA bloc's demonstration, describing the protest over the SIR exercise and the demand for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation as an "orchestrated drama" by political parties that had repeatedly faced rejection from voters.

The competing demonstrations underline the escalating political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the Opposition over electoral transparency, the SIR exercise and the functioning of the Election Commission.