Delhi Police plan tight security, 450 CCTV cameras for Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan on Nov 1

The Congress's "Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao" rally will be held at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on November 1, and tight security arrangements will be in place. According to a preliminary estimate, around 35,000 people are expected to attend, though the crowd could be larger. Delhi Police have therefore begun preparing for security, crowd management and traffic.

Between 2,500 and 3,000 police personnel will be deployed at the rally. Ten companies of security forces will also be called in from outside Delhi.

The ground and the surrounding area will be divided into 14 security zones, each headed by an officer of additional DCP rank. According to police officials, about 450 CCTV cameras will be installed at the venue and at important points nearby. Body cameras will be given to 1,000 police personnel to monitor movements at the site. Special attention will be paid to the entry and exit routes of the ground.

Police personnel will be posted at sensitive spots. Teams will be kept ready to deal with any untoward incident or law and order problem. If required, camera footage will be used to review incidents.

Traffic will also be watched. Police, along with traffic personnel, will control vehicle movement around Ramlila Maidan. Arrangements will be made to keep movement smooth on the approach and exit routes, depending on the size of the crowd.

Delhi Police have permitted the rally between 10 am and 5 pm. However, prior permission from the land-owning department and compliance with the stipulated conditions will be required. The organisers must ensure adequate surveillance equipment, facilities for participants and public harmony. No procession will be allowed outside the ground after the rally. The organisers must end the event by 5 pm and disperse the crowd in an orderly manner.

Meanwhile, the Opposition INDIA bloc will hold a programme titled "Janata ka Mahabhiyog" (people's impeachment) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 30. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh announced this on Wednesday. Ramesh posted on X that, after permission to hold the event at other venues was denied, the INDIA bloc will now hold it on Friday at 3.30 pm at party president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence at 10 Rajaji Marg.