Opposition Leaders Set to March Towards Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 9, 2026
The INDIA bloc plans a significant protest in Delhi, marching towards Rashtrapati Bhavan amid rising tensions with police.
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, will march towards Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 9, 2026.
The Cockroach Janta Party alleges widespread detentions of protesters across multiple states.
Delhi police have implemented strict measures, including the closure of liquor shops, to maintain public order.
On October 9, 2026, leaders from the INDIA bloc, spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi, are set to march towards Rashtrapati Bhavan after gathering at Parliament House. This demonstration follows a series of confrontations with Delhi Police, which allowed a peaceful protest at Rajghat the previous day. Senior political figures, including Mamata Banerjee, are expected to join the march, despite the absence of a scheduled appointment with President Droupadi Murmu.
The backdrop of this protest is marked by allegations from various groups, including the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), claiming that numerous protesters have been detained across India. CJP co-convener Ashutosh Ranka reported that Deepak Baliyan, a key member of their organization, was apprehended in Rajasthan, while thousands of volunteers faced similar fates in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) also accused police of intimidating activists' families to dissuade them from attending the protests in Delhi.
In response to the anticipated unrest, Delhi police have been proactive, conducting meetings in educational institutions to discourage participation in the unsanctioned protests. Officials warned that joining the demonstrations could disrupt law and order in the area. Additionally, police have announced the enforcement of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), urging citizens to refrain from joining the protests.
The implications of these protests extend beyond immediate political tensions, as the Delhi government has ordered the closure of liquor shops on October 9 and 10 to maintain public order. This decision is a precautionary measure in light of the ongoing protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of electoral irregularities. The CJP has also called for a significant protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10.
Looking ahead, the situation remains fluid as the opposition prepares for the October 10 protests. With police warnings and public sentiment divided, the outcome of these demonstrations could significantly impact the political landscape in Delhi and beyond. The authorities' response and the actions of the INDIA bloc will be closely monitored as tensions escalate in the lead-up to the protests.
