Security beefed up in Delhi ahead of AAP’s ‘Maha Rally’ against Centre’s ordinance; The party expects one lakh attendance

New Delhi: Elaborate security arrangements have been made in and around Ramlila Maidan, where the Aam Aadmi Party’s ‘Maha Rally’ will be held on Sunday against the Centre’s ordinance on control of services in the national capital. The AAP spokesperson claimed that around one lakh people are likely to attend the rally.

A senior police officer said around 12 companies of paramilitary forces along with the local police would be deployed at the venue. He said that monitoring will also be done through CCTV. Metal detectors will be installed at the entry gate of the grounds. Those entering the rally venue will be frisked. The official said that senior officers of the district would be present at the spot.

A large number of people are expected to participate in the rally, due to which the Delhi Traffic Police has also been asked to control the movement of vehicles during the event. Police said fire tenders and ambulances would also be stationed there. Traffic Police has issued an advisory and created diversion points from Maharaja Ranjit Singh Marg, Mir Dard Chowk, Ajmeri Gate, JLN Marg, Bhavbhuti Marg, Minto Road, Delhi Gate, Kamla Market to Hamdard Chowk and around Paharganj Chowk.

Traffic restriction/regulation/diversion may be imposed on Ranjit Singh Flyover from Barakhamba Road to Guru Nanak Chowk, Minto Road to Kamla Market roundabout, Vivekananda Marg, JLN Marg (Delhi Gate to Guru Nanak Chowk), Chaman Lal Marg etc. at 8 am on Sunday, the advisory said. People are advised to avoid these roads/stretches. Passengers going to railway stations and ISBTs should leave with sufficient time in hand. It said people should use public transport to help reduce road congestion and vehicles should be parked only at designated parking lots.

The advisory states that if any suspicious/unknown object or person is seen under suspicious circumstances, it should be reported to the police. AAP spokesperson Reena Gupta said they are expecting one lakh people to attend the rally, adding the party has launched a massive campaign to inform people about the ordinance and its impact on their daily lives.

“We have launched a massive campaign, reached out to people and informed them about the ordinance and how it will affect their daily lives,” Gupta told PTI. The ordinance issued by the Center on May 19 established a National Capital Civil Services Authority, bringing back executive control over matters related to the services to its domain.

This was issued soon after a Supreme Court judgment on May 11, through which the Delhi government was given executive control over service-related matters, including transfers and postings of Delhi government officials, but not police, public Order and land.