Rahul Gandhi leads 'vote chori' rally as traders fear Rs 12k cr loss
- Rahul Gandhi is leading the INDIA bloc's 'vote chori' rally at Ramlila Maidan today.
- The protest demands the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral roll deletions.
- Delhi police have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory including road diversions and parking rules.
- Traders warn that the rally could cause Rs 10,000-12,000 crore in business losses during the festive season.
- The rally follows a symbolic mock parliament held by the INDIA bloc on October 31.
Rahul Gandhi leads the INDIA bloc in a vote chori protest rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi today, November 1, 2026. Police granted conditional permission for the event, requiring organizers to ensure all vehicles park only in designated locations.
Rahul Gandhi, who was the president of the Indian National Congress from 2017 to 2019, encouraged participants to shop at local markets. He previously represented the Wayanad constituency from 2019 to 2024 and the Amethi constituency from 2004 to 2019.
Delhi traffic and transit advisory for November 1
Authorities released a comprehensive traffic advisory for the rally today, which includes details on bus, metro, and railway routes alongside road diversions.
The Delhi traffic police also introduced new restrictions starting today on vehicles that are not BS-VI compliant.
Traders warn of Rs 12,000 crore business loss during festive season
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) requested the INDIA bloc to postpone today's rally until after November 11.
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal stated that the association approached Rahul Gandhi three times to request a date change for the rally but was unsuccessful. The CTI sent a follow-up letter to Rahul Gandhi requesting the event be rescheduled because it falls during the Diwali period.
Dhanteras is scheduled for November 6 and Diwali for November 8, making today a critical day for traders to stock goods for the festive season. The CTI estimates that the rally could attract 10 lakh people and 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles.
This influx of people and vehicles could bring commercial activity in areas like Connaught Place and Chandni Chowk to a standstill.
INDIA bloc demands resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar
A mock parliament was conducted by the INDIA bloc on October 31 at 10 Rajaji Marg, where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge resides. The event was held to symbolically impeach Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar presided over the mock parliament where Mallikarjun Kharge presented six charges against the CEC. These charges included the deletion of 13.2 crore voters and a conspiracy to steal elections.
The rally today demands the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and the suspension of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. This revision resulted in the deletion of approximately 13 crore names, or 14 per cent of the pre-revision total.
It has been clarified by the Aam Aadmi Party that they are not members of the INDIA bloc.
BJP challenges INDIA bloc over electoral roll claims
BJP spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan dismissed the INDIA bloc's mock parliament, stating, "This is a mockery, not a mock parliament".
The BJP also issued a message to Rahul Gandhi regarding his November 1 rally. The party stated that while he is free to criticize, he should not "create anarchy".
Rahul Gandhi's call for 'Chalo Dilli' march
Rahul Gandhi issued a call for a "save vote" rally to take place in Delhi on November 1. He invited students from all political affiliations to join the "Chalo Dilli" march on November 1, telling them not to worry about police lathis.
Rahul Gandhi also expressed gratitude toward the BJP for promoting his November 1 rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan.
Upcoming Punjab election campaign launch
Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to launch his Punjab election campaign from Sangrur on November 4. Pargat Singh confirmed that Rahul Gandhi will visit Sangrur, Punjab, on November 4.
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