The Delhi Police has granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) to the Congress party, permitting them to conduct a one-day rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on November 1. This development was confirmed by a senior police officer on Saturday. The approval enables the Congress to initiate preparations for the rally, which was announced by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge last month as part of the INDIA bloc’s campaign against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Rohit Rajbir Singh stated that the Congress had sought the NOC from the Delhi Police after verifying the availability of Ramlila Maidan with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Singh noted that the MCD informed the party that the ground would be available for use from October 25 to November 3. After receiving confirmation of availability, the Congress approached the police for the necessary clearance.

Singh elaborated that discussions were held with representatives of the Congress to assess security requirements before the NOC was issued. He confirmed that the certificate was granted on the same day, allowing the party to move forward with its plans. Following this, the Congress is expected to submit the NOC to the MCD, which manages the ground, thus enabling them to start rally preparations.

Ground Booking and Coordination Efforts

According to Singh, Ramlila Maidan will remain booked for the specified period, from October 25 to November 3. He mentioned that other parties or organisations wishing to utilise the venue must follow the same procedure to secure their bookings. The Delhi Police is currently coordinating with the rally organisers, traffic police, and other relevant agencies to ensure proper law-and-order management, effective traffic control, and the smooth execution of the rally.

The Congress’s rally is part of a broader campaign by the INDIA bloc, which aims to address concerns regarding the SIR process. On September 30, the bloc finalised a joint action plan that includes rallies and ‘Save Democracy’ marches. Kharge has emphasised the consensus among the parties that elections should be conducted using ballot papers rather than electronic voting machines (EVMs).

This move follows recent reports highlighting objections raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi regarding decisions related to the SIR. The Indian Express reported that the commissioners had raised concerns on at least 14 occasions over the past ten months about decisions made without their knowledge or recommendations. The Election Commission (EC) has faced scrutiny over these objections, with the poll body asserting that differing opinions are common during institutional deliberations.

INDIA Bloc’s Campaign Against SIR

Kharge’s announcement of the mega rally in Delhi on November 1 aligns with the INDIA bloc’s strategic efforts to mobilise public support against the SIR. The bloc’s meeting last month underscored the urgency of addressing the electoral roll revision process, which has been a contentious issue among various political parties. The Congress leader has reiterated the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

In response to the concerns raised by the two commissioners, the Election Commission maintained that all its orders are legally valid and adhere to established statutory procedures. The EC’s stance aims to reassure the public and political entities regarding the integrity of the electoral process amidst ongoing debates about the SIR.

As the Congress prepares for the rally, the party is expected to highlight its stance on electoral reforms and rally support from various sections of society. The upcoming event is anticipated to draw significant attention, reflecting the growing political discourse surrounding the SIR and its implications for the electoral landscape in India.

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