Centre Extends Deployment of 270 CAPF Companies in Delhi Ahead of INDIA Bloc Rally

The Centre has extended the deployment of 270 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies in Delhi until November 16 in view of the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan, the possibility of sudden protests by various groups and the need to maintain law and order during the festive season. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the third extension this month following a request from Delhi Police. The move will retain central forces in the national capital beyond October 31, allowing authorities to strengthen security arrangements amid heightened political activity and concerns over potential demonstrations.

The forces were initially deployed following protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on October 9, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The outfit subsequently organised a 'Lehra Do Tiranga' demonstration on October 16 and extended support to the INDIA bloc rally. Opposition parties have also raised concerns over alleged voter deletions and electoral irregularities.

The Congress-led INDIA bloc has organised a 'Chalo Dilli March' against alleged 'vote chori', culminating in a rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Delhi Police has prepared a multi-layered security plan involving approximately 3,000–3,500 personnel, with the venue divided into 14 security zones. More than 150–200 CCTV cameras, temporary control rooms, body-worn cameras and surveillance-equipped vehicles will support monitoring operations.

Security arrangements include barricading, frisking, baggage screening, metal detectors and restricted entry through designated gates. Police have also prepared emergency evacuation arrangements and measures to prevent unauthorised marches towards Jantar Mantar. Attendance is estimated at 40,000–50,000, although organisers expect a substantially larger turnout. Reports also indicate that nearly 10,000 armed paramilitary personnel may be deployed specifically for rally security.

The rally has drawn objections from Delhi's trading community. The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has urged Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, to postpone the programme until after Diwali or shift it to Burari Maidan. Traders estimate that disruptions could affect business worth ₹10,000–12,000 crore across nearly 20 markets, citing traffic restrictions during the festive shopping period. Dhanteras falls on November 6 and Diwali on November 8.

The extension follows a security review chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on October 24, attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and senior police officials. The CAPF deployment comprises CRPF (125 companies), RAF (20), BSF (46), ITBP (39), SSB (31) and CISF (12). The CRPF contingent includes 17 women personnel units. Each company has a sanctioned strength of 100 personnel, with an operational strength of around 70–72. Notably, the force-wise figures total 273, although the official announcement cites 270 companies.