INDIA BLOC’S ‘CHALO DILLI’ MARCH TARGETS ELECTION COMMISSION OVER SIR AND ALLEGED VOTE CHORI

November 1, 2026

New Delhi witnessed a major political mobilisation on Sunday, November 1, as Opposition parties under the INDIA bloc staged the ‘Chalo Dilli’ march, demanding accountability from the Election Commission of India over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The protest centred on allegations of voter disenfranchisement and the Opposition’s demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition figures have accused the Election Commission of failing to ensure transparency in the revision of electoral rolls. The Opposition has repeatedly used the term “vote chori” to describe what it alleges are irregularities affecting voters’ names and electoral participation. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing.

The march formed part of a broader campaign by the INDIA bloc to raise concerns about electoral integrity and demand greater transparency in the functioning of the poll body. Opposition leaders have argued that voters must be able to verify their registration status and challenge deletions through accessible procedures.

The rally followed a symbolic public impeachment proceeding against Kumar held by Opposition leaders at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence on Saturday. Approximately 250 INDIA bloc MPs reportedly participated in the proceedings, which culminated in the adoption of a resolution outlining the Opposition’s allegations. The event was political in nature and did not constitute a formal constitutional impeachment process.

Security was tightened across the capital ahead of the demonstrations, with more than 4,000 police personnel deployed alongside paramilitary forces. Authorities also planned extensive CCTV and drone surveillance, while traffic restrictions were imposed on several roads around central Delhi. The Opposition had projected a turnout of up to 10 lakh people, while police estimates put expected participation at approximately 50,000.

The protest highlights the continuing confrontation between the Opposition and the Election Commission over electoral-roll revisions, voter registration and institutional accountability. The allegations remain contested, with the Election Commission rejecting claims of electoral manipulation.