Bharatiya Janata Party prepares political march in Delhi amid rising tensions

NEW DELHI — The Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing to stage a large-scale political march in Old Delhi, titled “Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy,” stretching from the Red Fort to Town Hall.

The upcoming demonstration serves as a political counter-offensive against an opposition alliance and follows ongoing nationwide protests concerning the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner. Political friction has intensified alongside these events, marked by a sharp exchange and nationwide digital campaigns following a retort by the Congress chief during an event in Patna.

Around 15,000 participants, including Members of Parliament and Union Ministers, are expected to join the one-kilometre padayatra through Chandni Chowk. Ahead of the event, local traders in Delhi appealed for the demonstration to be postponed, citing potential business losses worth crores of rupees.

Concurrently, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad raised strong objections against a separate planned Congress rally at Ramlila Grounds scheduled to begin on November 1. The organisation accused Congress of pursuing an anti-Hindu agenda and targeting Hindu festivals.

In Tamil Nadu, political and law enforcement developments unfolded alongside the capital’s demonstrations. The administration alleged that DMK leader Anbil Mahesh was involved in collecting nearly 400 crore rupees in bribes from over 2,000 private schools and trusts in exchange for granting permanent recognition. Following the Madras High Court’s rejection of his anticipatory bail plea, Anbil Mahesh was arrested from his residence and remanded in judicial custody.

The Central Crime Branch stated it has gathered evidence tracing the money trail in connection with the case. Meanwhile, the DMK termed the arrest a political vendetta ahead of the Trichy East by-election.

Separately in Tamil Nadu, 17 prison inmates escaped after attacking guards, prompting extensive search operations by authorities. Officials confirmed that four of the escaping prisoners have been recaptured, while efforts continue to track down the remaining individuals.