BJP launches month-long padyatras on Nov 1 to counter INDIA Bloc rally
Synopsis
On the same day the INDIA Bloc stages its 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' mega rally at Ramlila Maidan, the BJP is launching a month-long nationwide padyatra campaign — with Amit Shah scheduled to march in Hyderabad and Haryana. The BJP's 1984 anniversary argument adds a sharp communal edge, while trader groups are pressing Congress to shift the date, leaving the opposition's plans in flux.
Key Takeaways
The BJP will launch month-long synchronised padyatras from 1 November 2026 as a direct counter to the INDIA Bloc rally.
The INDIA Bloc 's 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' rally is scheduled at Ramlila Maidan, New Delhi on 1 November , protesting alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to lead padyatras in Hyderabad on 2 November and Haryana on 5 November .
The BJP is targeting the opposition over the choice of 1 November , the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence in Delhi.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and LoP Rahul Gandhi to postpone the rally until after 10 November due to the festive season.
Kharge acknowledged the traders' memorandum and said a final decision would follow consultations with INDIA Bloc allies.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to launch a month-long nationwide counter-campaign of synchronised padyatras (foot marches) beginning 1 November 2026 — the same day the INDIA Bloc has scheduled its 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' mega rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. The BJP's coordinated response will deploy senior ministers and chief ministers from BJP-ruled states across the country, signalling a direct political escalation ahead of what promises to be a charged week in national politics.
BJP's Counter-Campaign: Key Details
BJP National President Nitin Nabin is likely to participate in select padyatra events, according to reports. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to lead a padyatra in Hyderabad on 2 November and another in Haryana on 5 November. The month-long campaign is designed to maintain pressure on the opposition alliance well beyond the single-day rally, stretching the political contest across states and constituencies.
Why INDIA Bloc Called the Mega Rally
The opposition INDIA Bloc announced the mass gathering primarily to protest against the Election Commission of India (ECI) over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition leaders have also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, citing allegations of 'vote chori' (vote theft). Delhi Police has issued a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) covering security and traffic coordination for the event from 25 October to 3 November.
The 1984 Anniversary Flashpoint
The BJP has sharply targeted the Congress-led alliance over the choice of date, pointing out that 1 November marks the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence in Delhi. The party argues that holding a political rally on that date is insensitive, a charge the opposition has not yet formally addressed. This comes amid broader BJP efforts to frame the INDIA Bloc's mobilisation as politically opportunistic.
Traders Urge Postponement; Congress Responds
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written separately to Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, urging that the rally be postponed to after 10 November in view of the ongoing festive season. Kharge acknowledged receiving a memorandum from traders and indicated that a final decision would be taken only after consultations with Congress and its INDIA Bloc allies. The CTI described Kharge's measured response as 'a ray of hope' for Delhi's trading community.
What to Watch Next
With both the BJP's padyatras and the INDIA Bloc's Ramlila Maidan rally converging on 1 November, the day is shaping up as a major flashpoint in national politics. Whether the Congress-led bloc proceeds as scheduled — or adjusts its plans following trader pressure and BJP counter-messaging — will set the tone for opposition mobilisation in the months ahead.
Point of View
It ensures the INDIA Bloc's single-day Ramlila Maidan moment does not dominate the national narrative alone. The 1984 anniversary argument is a pointed political weapon, designed to fracture Sikh voter solidarity with the Congress. What is underreported is the trader pressure on Kharge: if Delhi's business community succeeds in forcing a postponement, it would be a visible organisational embarrassment for the opposition well before the rally even begins. The ECI row — the substantive issue driving the protest — risks being drowned out by the date controversy, which may suit the ruling party just fine.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the BJP launching padyatras on 1 November 2026?
The BJP is launching nationwide padyatras on 1 November 2026 as a direct counter to the INDIA Bloc's 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. The month-long campaign will deploy senior ministers and chief ministers from BJP-ruled states across the country.
What is the INDIA Bloc's 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' rally about?
The rally is being held to protest alleged irregularities in the Election Commission of India's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition leaders have also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of 'vote chori'.
Why is the BJP objecting to the November 1 date for the rally?
The BJP has pointed out that 1 November marks the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence in Delhi, calling it insensitive to hold a political rally on that day. This has become one of the party's central arguments against the INDIA Bloc's planned gathering.
Who is participating in the BJP padyatras?
BJP National President Nitin Nabin is likely to join select events. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to lead padyatras in Hyderabad on 2 November and in Haryana on 5 November, with top ministers and chief ministers from BJP-ruled states deployed nationwide.
What has the traders' body said about the November 1 rally?
The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and LoP Rahul Gandhi urging postponement until after 10 November due to the festive season. Kharge acknowledged the memorandum and said a final decision would be taken after consultations with INDIA Bloc allies.
