Amit Shah orders firm action against inimical elements ahead of Nov 1 INDIA Bloc rally
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday, 24 October chaired a high-level security review at the Delhi Police headquarters, directing security agencies to deal firmly with any elements that threaten law and order in the national capital — with the INDIA Bloc's planned protest on 1 November serving as the immediate backdrop.
Key Developments from the Review
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau chief Mahesh Dixit, and senior officials from the Home Ministry and Delhi Police attended the meeting. Discussions centred on the overall law-and-order situation in New Delhi and the capital's preparedness for the days ahead.
According to sources, Shah appreciated the Delhi Police for effectively managing recent protests and marches without allowing the situation to deteriorate. He made clear that no individual or group has the right to disrupt public order, and that any such attempt would be met with a firm response.
Security Measures Ordered
Shah instructed police to intensify patrolling in sensitive areas and prioritise the safety of women, elderly persons, and children at public spaces. He also called for expanded use of CCTV cameras and artificial intelligence tools to monitor suspicious activity.
Special vigil was ordered at all entry points into the capital to prevent anti-social elements from entering the city. More than 250 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) — including units of the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CISF, and RAF — have already been deployed across Delhi. The deployment, which includes women personnel, has been extended until 31 October and can be prolonged further depending on the security assessment.
What the Opposition Has Planned
The opposition has announced a mock parliamentary session on 30 October, centred on a proposal to impeach Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, to be followed by a large march to Ramleela Maidan on 1 November. The events are being organised under the INDIA Bloc umbrella and are expected to draw significant crowds to the capital.
Traders Push Back on Rally Timing
Several trade organisations in Delhi, including the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), have demanded that the rally be postponed. Delhi's traders have written to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, requesting the event be rescheduled to after 10 November. The traders argue that a large rally during the ongoing festive season would cause significant economic losses to businesses across the city.
Officials indicated that the security apparatus would continue to operate strictly as per protocol to maintain peace in the national capital as both the mock session and the march draw closer.