UPDATED: Nov 1, 2026 10:20 ISTElaborate 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. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSINDIA 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.Delhi Traffic Curbs: Protests by INDIA Bloc and BJP Trigger Major Road DiversionsDelhi Traffic Police announced traffic restrictions and diversions across several key routes, including ITO, Delhi Gate, Rajghat, Ajmeri Gate, Turkman Gate, Jain Marg, and Minto Road, ahead of separate protest marches by the INDIA bloc and the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The BJP march route is set from Tilak Nagar to Hari Nagar regarding anti-Sikh riots, while the INDIA bloc rally proceeds from CP Minto Bridge to Ajmeri Gate, concluding at Ramlila Maidan over alleged SIR irregularities. Special travel arrangements have been made to secure clear access for emergency ambulances heading to LNJP Hospital.
Delhi Police advised passengers traveling to New Delhi Railway Station and commuters in Central and Old Delhi to plan their journeys ahead.INDIA Bloc Rally: Heavy Security at Ramlila Maidan Under Strict Police GuidelinesDelhi Police issued a conditional clearance for the opposition INDIA bloc's mega rally at Ramlila Maidan, enforcing strict guidelines for participants. Under the directions, the protest must conclude by 5:00 PM, marching outside the designated ground is prohibited, and overnight stays are banned.
Ramlila Maidan has been partitioned into multiple security zones, with more than 4,000 police personnel and Central Armed Police Forces deployed, alongside intensive frisking at entry gates. With over 50,000 chairs arranged, large crowds and cadres mobilized from neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana began arriving ahead of the rally.Delhi Rallies: Tight Security In Place As Traffic Woes Hit Festive ShoppersElaborate security arrangements have been deployed across Delhi ahead of two separate political rallies scheduled in the national capital.
Over 4,000 security personnel, including Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces, have been stationed on the ground, with eight entry and exit gates designated at Ramlila Maidan. Opposition bloc leaders and workers are scheduled to march from Minto Bridge near Connaught Place towards Ramlila Maidan via Ajmeri Gate.
Meanwhile, local traders have raised apprehensions regarding business losses and traffic disruptions during the peak pre-Diwali festive shopping weekend.