CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Delhi: New Delhi: A political controversy has erupted over the size of the crowd at the INDIA bloc’s mega rally held at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Before the rally, Congress leaders had claimed that around 10 lakh people would attend, but several chairs were seen empty at the venue during the event. The Bharatiya Janata Party then questioned the Congress claim.
According to a published report on the number of people present at the rally, around 30,000 to 35,000 people were inside the ground, while the total crowd, including those outside, was estimated at between 60,000 and 70,000. The report also cited an estimate by a senior Delhi Police officer associated with the security arrangements. However, no independently verified official figure on the total attendance has emerged.
BJP MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed at a press conference that nearly 40 percent of Ramlila Maidan was empty. According to him, around 28,000 chairs had been placed at the ground, of which 5,000 to 7,000 were vacant between 3:30 pm and 4 pm. Challenging the Congress claim that 10 lakh people would attend, he also showed visuals from the rally.
On the other hand, the Congress responded to the BJP’s allegations by sharing a video of the rally on social media. The party showed the presence of people at the event and questioned the BJP’s remarks.
The rally was organised in protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list and alleged vote theft. The dispute continues amid claims and political reactions from both parties over the actual size of the crowd.
Hashtags: #DelhiState #Delhi #RamlilaMaidan #PoliticalRow #INDIABloc #Congress #BJP #Crowd #November1 #RamlilaMaidanTurnoutPolitical
