Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vinoj P. Selvam has launched a sharp critique against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following his recent visit to Tamil Nadu, accusing him of showing ignorance of local literature and culture. Selvam specifically condemned Gandhi for drawing a comparison between the classical Tamil text Tirukkural, authored by Saint Tiruvalluvar, and social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, arguing that the comparison amounts to an insult to the revered literary work. During his remarks, Selvam also addressed regional governance and infrastructure developments, welcoming the participation of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin alongside the Prime Minister in alignment with standard protocols while noting the central government's financial allocations for projects like the Chennai Metro Phase Two.
While the political debate unfolded regarding Tamil heritage, tensions escalated sharply in New Delhi as opposition parties and INDIA bloc leaders initiated a high-profile 'Delhi Chalo' march. Thousands of workers and party supporters gathered near Himachal Bhavan and Mandi House, staging massive demonstrations and raising slogans demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. Prominent figures, including Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and opposition leaders from various parties, assembled at the Constitution Club to coordinate their next steps after an earlier appointment request to the Supreme Court was declined because related matters are already under judicial review.
Security forces responded with heavy deployments of paramilitary personnel, including the CRPF and ITBP, across Lutyens Delhi, while authorities enforced Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to limit large public gatherings. The demonstrations caused significant traffic disruptions around Mandi House Circle as protesters pushed against barricades. Concurrently, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, directing future demonstrations to alternative locations such as Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and Shahdara Ground.