The opposition march in India has commenced in Delhi against alleged election violations. Participants of the rally, under the slogan "Save the Votes, Save the Country," have gathered at Ram Lila Maidan, reports Hindustan Times.
Among the protesters are Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The opposition accuses Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of violations and demands attention to the accuracy of electoral rolls. The day before, opposition party leaders held a symbolic impeachment procedure against the Election Commissioner at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
On Sunday, around 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in central Delhi. Deputy Police Commissioner of the Central District Rohit Rajbir has stated that more than 200 surveillance cameras have been installed in the area. Organizers hope to attract nearly a million people, but the police are considering Ram Lila Maidan's capacity—about 50,000 participants. If the number of attendees exceeds this, others will be held in adjoining streets.
Traffic restrictions and detours are in effect from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time in several parts of the city.
Rahul Gandhi has urged those attending to support local traders and combine participation in the protest with shopping for the festive season.
Simultaneously with the opposition march, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is organizing a rally in Hari Nagar dedicated to the 1984 Sikh riots. Federal government minister Hardip Singh Puri and representatives of Sikh organizations will participate.
The new phase of the controversy surrounding the Chief Election Commissioner follows a report by The Indian Express. According to the newspaper, over ten months, members of the Election Commission opposed Kumar's decisions 14 times. The Election Commission, in turn, asserts that all decisions were made unanimously.
