BJP Targets INDIA Bloc Over 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Ahead of Delhi ProtestsAhead of the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan, the Bharatiya Janata Party mounted a sharp offensive against the opposition, invoking the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The BJP organised a march from Tilak Nagar to Hari Nagar in Delhi, stating that the pain and wounds of the 1984 victims remain alive and accusing the Congress of attempting to bury them under political theatrics.
Referring to the massacre of Sikhs following the assassination of Indira Gandhi, party leaders questioned the timing of the opposition's mobilisation during a period of mourning. The BJP characterised the INDIA bloc's campaign as an effort to relaunch a failed leader ahead of upcoming regional elections.
Meanwhile, extensive security arrangements and police fortifications, including paramilitary forces, were deployed across the national capital to monitor the competing demonstrations.Security Stepped Up at Ramlila Maidan Ahead of INDIA Bloc Rally and BJP Counter ProtestDelhi Police and security forces have intensified deployment and fortification around strategic locations including Minto Bridge, New Delhi Railway Station, and Ramlila Maidan ahead of the INDIA bloc rally. Riot control vehicles and buses remain on standby to prevent traffic disruptions and maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, political party workers from Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh have started arriving at designated gathering points across the capital. Additionally, the Bharatiya Janata Party is scheduled to hold a demonstration near Hari Nagar bus depot in West Delhi, prompting tight security monitoring across multiple pockets of the city.INDIA Bloc Rally At Ramlila Maidan, Rahul Gandhi March Sparks Security CurbsElaborate traffic restrictions and heavy security deployment have been imposed across Central and Old Delhi as opposition INDIA bloc parties gather at Ramlila Maidan for a massive protest rally.
Delhi Police closed vehicular movement around Ramlila Maidan and Minto Bridge, where Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to lead a protest march heading towards the ground. Movement towards Connaught Place remains open and metro rail services continue across all stations without disruptions, while vehicular routes heading towards Delhi Gate and adjoining Old Delhi roads face closures until evening.
Large contingents of supporters and cadre from allied parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist), arrived from multiple states to assemble at the venue. Meanwhile, ruling Bharatiya Janata Party leaders hit out at the Congress, accusing it of staging rallies to launch political dynasts and alleging a lack of leadership and public support, while opposition functionaries maintained that lakhs are arriving to voice dissent.INDIA Bloc Ramlila Maidan Rally: Delhi Police Deploy Heavy Security, CCTV Surveillance & FRS VansElaborate security arrangements have been implemented across the national capital ahead of the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan.
Delhi Police have installed 200 to 250 CCTV cameras and deployed Facial Recognition System vehicles at entry gates to monitor crowds and deter antisocial elements. The rally venue has been divided into 14 sectors, each supervised by an Assistant Commissioner of Police-rank officer, overseen by two Deputy Commissioners of Police.
Mobile police stations and command-and-control vehicles have also been stationed around the perimeter. Protesters and workers affiliated with Congress, the Left unions, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal from states including Punjab, Haryana, and Bihar have mobilized in Delhi.
Rahul Gandhi is set to lead the march from the Connaught Place Minto Bridge junction towards the Maidan. Meanwhile, traffic restrictions took effect around Connaught Place and New Delhi Railway Station ahead of Dhanteras and Diwali, as the Bharatiya Janata Party planned counter-demonstrations.