Rahul Gandhi urges people to join November 1 ‘Chalo Dilli’ march, says don’t fear police action

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday urged people, including students from across the political spectrum, to join the ‘Chalo Dilli Ramlila March’ on November 1, describing it as a movement to protect democracy and the Constitution and stop alleged vote theft.

In a video message posted on X, Gandhi asked people not to be deterred by the prospect of police action or baton charges, saying the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would not have the courage to resort to such measures.

“The ‘Chalo Delhi’ Ramlila March is a march to save democracy, to put an end to the theft of votes, and to protect the Constitution,” he said, adding that the march was not for any single political party but for the “soul of India”.

Gandhi appealed to people who were unhappy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to join the march.

He also urged student groups, irrespective of their political affiliations, to participate, saying those who felt that their freedom of expression, ideas or way of thinking was under threat should join the protest.

The march comes amid opposition protests against alleged irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have alleged that the exercise has led to the deletion of voters’ names and accused the poll panel of failing to ensure electoral fairness.

The Congress-led programme is scheduled to culminate in a rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on November 1. The party has positioned the mobilisation as part of its broader campaign against alleged “vote chori” and its demand for accountability from the Election Commission.

Delhi Police has made security arrangements for the gathering and said protesters would not be allowed to move towards restricted areas in New Delhi. Jantar Mantar has also been de-notified as a designated protest venue, with alternative locations identified for demonstrations. India News

There was no immediate response from the BJP or the police to Gandhi’s latest remarks.