An Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson had informed that the party is expecting around a lakh of people to join the rally and it will be headed by the top leaders of the party, so the Delhi police has strengthened the security measures in and around Ramlila Maidan.
Delhi's Ramlila Maidan and the places around it have been put under elaborate security measures where the Aam Aadmi Party will hold a "Maha Rally" on Sunday. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal since the last couple of months have been voicing out against the Centre's ordinance on control of services in the national capital. The Maha Rally becomes a crucial demonstration of dissent by AAP along with their supporters.
An AAP spokesperson told the media yesterday that the rally is likely to be attended by around one lakh people that starts at 10 am on June 11.
In its latest tweet, AAP announced that Congress Leader Kapil Sibal is expected to join the rally along with AAP leaders, making the security measures more crucial for the safety of the people.
According to reports by PTI, a senior police officer said around 12 companies of paramilitary forces, along with the local police, will be deployed at the venue.
He also informed that surveillance through CCTV will be conducted. Along with that Metal detectors will be installed at the entry gates of the ground. Those entering the rally venue will be frisked. Senior officials from the district will be present at the spot, the officer said.
The police said that a large number of people are expected to attend the rally due to which the Delhi Traffic Police has also been asked to regulate the vehicular movement during the programme. Fire tenders and ambulances will also be deployed there, police said.
The traffic police have issued an advisory mentioning Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Marg, Mir Dard Chowk, Ajmeri Gate, JLN Marg, Bhavbhuti Marg, Minto Road, Delhi Gate, roundabout Kamla Market to Hamdard Chowk and roundabout Paharganj Chowk as diversion points.
The traffic restrictions/regulation/diversion may be imposed on Ranjeet Singh flyover from Barakhamba Road to Guru Nanak Chowk, from Minto Road to roundabout Kamla Market, Vivekanand Marg, JLN Marg (Delhi Gate to Guru Nank Chowk), Chaman Lal Marg etc from 8 am on Sunday, the advisory said.
People are advised to avoid these roads/stretches. Commuters going to railway stations and ISBT should leave with sufficient time at hand. People should avail public transport to help decongestion of roads and vehicles should be parked only at designated parking lots, it stated.
In case any unusual or unidentified object or person is noticed in suspicious circumstances, information should be given to the police, the advisory added.
AAP spokesperson Reena Gupta said they are expecting one lakh people to join the rally, adding the party has carried out extensive campaigns to inform the masses about the ordinance and its impact on their daily life.
"We have done extensive campaigning, reached out to people and explained them about the ordinance and how it will impact their day-to-day lives," Gupta told PTI.
The ordinance issued by the Centre on May 19 set up a National Capital Civil Service Authority, bringing back executive control over matters related to services to its domain.
It was issued close on the heels of a Supreme Court verdict on May 11, through which the Delhi government was given the executive control over service-related matters, including transfers and postings of Delhi government officers but excluding those related to police, public order and land.
(With PTI inputs)