Mega political showdown In Delhi: Rahul Gandhi-led INDIA bloc rally targets EC

In a counter-move, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also organised a rally in the national capital, invoking the 1984 anti-Sikh riots to target the Congress, setting the stage for a major political showdown ahead of Diwali.

Ahead of the Opposition rally, Rahul Gandhi urged people, particularly student groups, to participate in the protest.

In a post on X, he wrote: "I urge all student groups, regardless of your political affiliation - if you feel that India is under attack, if you feel you are under attack, your expression, your ideas, your way of thinking is under attack, come and join us."

The Ramlila Maidan rally is scheduled to conclude at 5 pm, in accordance with the permission granted by the authorities. However, there is uncertainty over whether the Opposition has planned a "surprise" element as the deadline approaches, sources told NDTV.

The rally comes a day after an Opposition meeting on Saturday, during which Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge moved a symbolic resolution listing six allegations against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

The resolution accused Kumar of attempting to influence elections, overseeing the deletion of 13.2 crore voters from electoral rolls, changing Form 6 without parliamentary oversight and taking control of electoral rolls through the ECINET platform.

It also alleged that the two other Election Commissioners were excluded from key decisions, citing a report published by The Indian Express.

The BJP, however, dismissed the Opposition's campaign as "melodrama".

Why Is The Opposition Demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's Resignation?

The Opposition has accused the Election Commission of manipulating electoral rolls through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, alleging that large numbers of eligible voters have been removed from voter lists.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, who announced the November 1 demonstration last month, described the campaign as 'Chalo Dilli, Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao'.

Venugopal alleged that around 13 crore names had been deleted from electoral rolls and claimed that irregularities were taking place across several states.

He also praised Rahul Gandhi for "fearlessly raising questions" and holding those in power accountable.

BJP's Counter-Rally Over 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots

The BJP organised a separate demonstration in west Delhi, focusing on the victims and survivors of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The march was scheduled to begin at 11.30 am from the Hari Nagar bus depot and proceed towards Tilak Nagar Metro station.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, advocate HS Phoolka, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa and party MP Bansuri Swaraj were among those expected to participate.

Ahead of the march, BJP MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney was scheduled to address the media alongside survivors of the 1984 riots at Gurdwara Shaheed Ganj Sahib.

Families of those killed in the violence were also expected to join the demonstration.

The BJP accused the Congress of choosing the anniversary of the anti-Sikh violence to organise its Opposition rally, questioning the timing of the protest.