INDIA bloc rally: Punjab protesters stranded at Haryana border, Rahul Gandhi backs local traders

Supporters of the Opposition INDIA bloc travelling to Delhi from Punjab faced significant delays and traffic restrictions along the Haryana border ahead of Sunday's mega rally at Ramlila Maidan against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Baljinder Singh, a protester from Firozpur, alleged that thousands of vehicles had remained stranded overnight because of barricading along the Punjab-Haryana corridor, news agency ANI reported.

The rally, being held under the Opposition's 'Chalo Dilli' campaign, is expected to bring together leaders and supporters from several states. The Opposition is seeking to highlight alleged electoral irregularities and demand accountability from the Election Commission.

ST Hasan calls rally a historic moment

Samajwadi Party leader ST Hasan described Sunday's gathering as a potentially historic event, provided the government did not intervene or prevent it from taking place.

"If the government doesn't interfere and allows the rally to take place, it is set to be a historic one. This rally is about saving the nation, protecting the Constitution, and safeguarding our democracy," Hasan told ANI.

He added that every Indian had a responsibility to stand up for the country and support the demonstration to protect democracy.

Meanwhile, cutouts of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, among others, have been installed outside Ramlila Maidan as preparations for the Opposition gathering continued.

Rahul Gandhi appeals to protesters to support local traders

Ahead of the rally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged people travelling to Delhi to combine their participation in the demonstration with shopping at local markets to support small traders during the festive season.

In a video message posted on X on Saturday, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said lakhs of people were expected to reach the national capital and encouraged them to purchase goods from small shops after attending the march and rally.

Referring to the approaching festivals of Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj, Gandhi said visitors should help Delhi's traders by making purchases during their stay in the city.

He dismissed concerns that the rally would adversely affect businesses and accused the BJP of spreading rumours because it was apprehensive about the Opposition's mobilisation.

The appeal came after the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) repeatedly urged the Congress leadership to postpone the November 1 rally until after the festive shopping period. The traders' body warned that business worth ₹10,000 crore to ₹12,000 crore a day across around 20 major wholesale and retail markets in central and Old Delhi could be affected.

Dhanteras falls on November 6, while Diwali will be celebrated on November 8. Traders have expressed concerns that traffic restrictions and the arrival of a large number of rally participants could disrupt commercial activity during this crucial period.

BJP organises counter-march over 1984 anti-Sikh riots

While the INDIA bloc is holding its demonstration at Ramlila Maidan, the ruling BJP has organised a separate march in West Delhi to commemorate the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, ANI reported.

The march is scheduled to begin at 11.30 am from Hari Nagar Bus Depot and conclude at Tilak Nagar Metro Station. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta are among those expected to lead the programme.

The BJP had earlier criticised the Congress for organising its political rally on the anniversary of the anti-Sikh violence, accusing the party of choosing a date that coincides with the remembrance of the 1984 riots.