“Protest to defend democracy”: A large-scale INDIA bloc demonstration is planned for Ramlila Maidan in the capital, with heavy security

Top opposition leaders will gather at the historic Ramlila Maidan on Sunday in a show of strength, nine months after the INDIA coalition started to take form and against the background of the arrests of two Chief Ministers, Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal.

The Congress emphasized on Saturday that the protection of democracy and the Constitution, not just one leader, should be the primary goals of the “Loktantra Bachao Rally (Save Democracy Rally).”

“This is not a person-centered protest. This isn’t done to keep anybody safe. This is to safeguard the Constitution and democracy. There is no party rally taking place here. There are more than 28 parties engaged. Every member of the INDIA alliance is participating. At the party headquarters in Delhi, Jairam Ramesh, the chairman of Congress communications, informed reporters that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is also included.

Hemant Soren ji is someone we must remember. Just before the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra was about to visit Jharkhand, Hemant Soren became the first Chief Minister to be imprisoned (albeit he resigned before being arrested). Targets include Hemant Soren, Kejriwal ji, a number of ministers, and state politicians from Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and Delhi, according to Ramesh.

The leaders of the National Conference, Farooq Abdullah, Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, SP president Akhilesh Yadav, DMK’s Tiruchi Siva, and TMC’s Derek O’Brien are among those anticipated to attend the rally.

The Delhi Police and paramilitary groups have increased security in downtown Delhi in anticipation of the gathering.

Security measures used by Delhi Police
Permission for the demonstration has been given by the Delhi Police subject to certain restrictions, such as no marches, no tractor trollies, and no firearms. Prohibition orders would be upheld at DDU Marg, where political party headquarters are located, even if the demonstration has been approved, an official tells PTI. He further said that there will be severe consequences for breaking these directives.

Although the government has only permitted 20,000 people to attend the event, authorities anticipate that more than 30,000 will show up.

A senior police official said, “We have implemented extensive security arrangements to ensure minimal inconvenience to the general public during the rally.” To control parking and traffic around the event, traffic cops have also been sent.

Seven gates have been set up at the location to facilitate admission and egress; one gate is intended for VIPs, while another is for media representatives.

Every visitor at the access points will be subject to stringent security procedures, such as metal detector checks on the door frames and hand-held device screenings, the officer said. In addition, the Delhi Police has set up a control center and placed CCTV cameras to keep a careful eye on events in Ramlila Maidan.