New Delhi, October 25, 2026: Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed Delhi Police’s preparedness for upcoming protests, large gatherings and law-and-order challenges during a high-level meeting at the force headquarters, with particular focus on recent demonstrations over alleged electoral-roll irregularities and the Congress rally scheduled at Ramlila Maidan on November 1.
The meeting lasted more than three hours and was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and senior officers from across the force.
Shah Reviews Capital’s Law-and-Order Situation
Shah reached Delhi Police headquarters on Jai Singh Road on Saturday afternoon and held a detailed review of security and policing challenges in the national capital.
Senior officers briefed him on current law-and-order concerns, protest management, organised crime, public safety and preparations for upcoming political gatherings.
November 1 Rally Among Key Focus Areas
One of the major issues discussed was the Congress rally planned at Ramlila Maidan on November 1.
The rally is expected to focus on opposition allegations concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Police are preparing for a large turnout and possible traffic and security disruptions around central Delhi.
Recent Anti-SIR Protests Reviewed
Delhi has seen a series of protests over alleged irregularities in the electoral-roll revision process.
Opposition parties and protest groups have demanded accountability from the Election Commission, while the poll body has rejected allegations that its decisions were improper.
Crowd Control and Intelligence Prioritised
Officials said Shah emphasised the need for effective crowd management, intelligence gathering and advance coordination.
Police were asked to remain alert to rapidly changing protest situations and ensure that demonstrations do not lead to violence, damage to property or major disruption of public movement.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Attends Review
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta attended the meeting alongside Shah and senior police officers.
Her presence was notable because such law-and-order reviews are generally led directly by the Union Home Ministry and police leadership, with Delhi Police reporting to the Centre.
First Such Shah Visit Since 2022
The meeting also marked Shah’s first visit to Delhi Police headquarters since August 30, 2022.
The extended review reflected heightened attention on security arrangements in the capital amid a series of politically charged demonstrations.
57 FIRs Registered Over October Protests
According to reports, Delhi Police have registered 57 FIRs linked to protests in the capital during October.
The cases relate to demonstrations demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner and have been transferred to the Crime Branch for further investigation.
Protest-Related Cases Shifted to Crime Branch
The decision to transfer these cases means specialised police units will now handle investigations instead of individual district police stations.
Officials are examining whether protest organisers violated permission conditions, traffic restrictions or other legal requirements during the demonstrations.
Jantar Mantar Rules Remain Strict
Delhi Police have already reiterated that protests at Jantar Mantar require prior permission and are subject to restrictions on gathering size.
Authorities have said applications should be submitted in advance and organisers must comply with conditions related to crowd size, timing and public order.
Intelligence Inputs Being Closely Monitored
One focus of the review was improving intelligence coordination ahead of major demonstrations.
Police are expected to monitor social-media mobilisation, crowd movement and possible attempts by unrelated groups to join large protests.
Crime and Gang Networks Also Discussed
The meeting was not limited to political protests.
Reports said Shah also reviewed Delhi Police efforts against organised crime, gangsters operating from abroad, narcotics networks and crimes against women.
Drugs Remain a Major National Priority
The review comes days after Shah said the Centre’s next major internal-security focus would be the drug menace.
He has set a national target of making India narcotics-free by the end of 2029, and Delhi Police’s anti-drug operations are expected to form part of that wider strategy.
Police Asked to Prevent Untoward Incidents
Senior officers were directed to ensure rapid deployment at protest sites and large public gatherings.
The focus is on preventing clashes, maintaining traffic movement and ensuring that political demonstrations remain peaceful.
November 1 Could Test Police Preparedness
The Congress rally at Ramlila Maidan could become one of the largest political gatherings in Delhi in recent weeks.
With opposition parties continuing to raise concerns over electoral-roll revisions and Election Commission decisions, police expect the event to attract substantial participation.
Capital Remains on High Alert
The broader security situation in Delhi remains sensitive because of repeated protests, political mobilisations and ongoing public-order concerns.
Police are likely to increase deployment in central Delhi and around key government buildings as November 1 approaches.
Shah Seeks Coordinated Response
The review was aimed at ensuring that Delhi Police, intelligence units and the city administration work in coordination rather than responding separately to major events.
Officials said the emphasis was on advance preparation rather than reacting after crowds gather.
Security Planning to Continue
Delhi Police are expected to conduct additional operational reviews as the November 1 rally approaches.
Traffic diversions, deployment plans, crowd-control arrangements and emergency-response measures are likely to be finalised closer to the event depending on expected turnout.
Source: The Indian Express, The New Indian Express, Hindustan Times, PTI
Supreme News Network
