CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Delhi: New Delhi: Ahead of the INDIA bloc’s mega rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on 1 November, the opposition alliance had expressed the expectation that around 10 lakh people would attend it. For the rally, the Congress and other allied parties had called on workers and supporters from various states across the country to reach Delhi. However, the figure was the organisers’ estimate, while Delhi Police had projected the possibility of around 50,000 people gathering.
The programme, held under the ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ campaign, was aimed at raising the issues of alleged irregularities in the electoral process and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. Opposition parties also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Before the programme, a march had been planned from around Minto Road and Connaught Place to Ramlila Maidan.
In view of the possibility of such a large crowd, Delhi Police made extensive arrangements for security and traffic management. More than 4,000 police personnel were deployed at the rally venue and in surrounding areas. More than 200 CCTV cameras, drones and other security equipment were used for surveillance. The ground was also divided into different security zones.
Questions were also raised about the capacity of Ramlila Maidan. According to officials, the open ground can accommodate around 45,000 to 50,000 people seated, while after arrangements for chairs, the stage and movement routes, the capacity comes down to around 30,000 to 40,000.
Reports that emerged after the rally said thousands of supporters were present at the ground, but there was no independent confirmation of the claim that 10 lakh people attended. The issue also triggered political statements between parties.
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