Will Congress rally be affected as Delhi vehicle curbs come into effect on November 1?

The Congress-led INDIA bloc's November 1 rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan could face transport challenges as the capital prepares to restrict the entry of non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside Delhi from the same day. While Delhi Police has granted permission for the rally, the new pollution-control rules could complicate travel for supporters arriving from neighbouring states. According to NDTV, the Delhi government has deployed 39 enforcement teams at 13 major border checkpoints and toll plazas to ensure compliance with the restrictions. Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh has ruled out exemptions, saying, "There will be no exception." The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) estimates that between 15,000 and 20,000 buses could bring supporters to the rally, in addition to private vehicles. However, it remains unclear how many of these vehicles will be affected by the new rules. The restrictions will remain in force until January 31, 2027. Petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission standards will be barred from entering the capital. CNG and electric vehicles, BS-VI-compliant vehicles, and specified emergency and essential-service vehicles are exempt, NDTV reported. A separate directive issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) also requires buses operating under contract carriage, tourist and similar permits to run on BS-VI diesel, CNG or electricity to enter Delhi. Delhi-registered buses are exempt from this particular restriction. The timing of the restrictions could create difficulties for rally organisers coordinating transport from the National Capital Region and other states. Supporters travelling in vehicles that do not meet the prescribed standards may have to make alternative arrangements to reach Ramlila Maidan. The rally itself is not affected by the vehicle restrictions. The gathering is part of the Opposition's campaign against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and its demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The event has also raised concerns among traders in central Delhi. The CTI has urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to postpone the rally until after Diwali, arguing that traffic diversions and the large gathering could disrupt business in nearly 20 major markets around Ramlila Maidan. Gandhi has indicated that the rally will go ahead. Meanwhile, the Transport Department has intensified its enforcement drive against vehicles violating pollution-control rules. According to figures cited by NDTV, authorities impounded 145 buses and 558 overloaded vehicles between October 11 and 25. During the same period, 4,572 vehicles were challaned for invalid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates. Officials also recorded 48 cases involving visible smoke and 15 related to building materials. Apart from the 39 teams monitoring the border checkpoints and toll plazas, enforcement personnel have been deployed at pollution hotspots and adjoining areas. Four teams have been tasked with removing end-of-life vehicles and handing them over to scrappers, while another 14 teams are working with District Transport Officers and District Magistrates under the Delhi government's Parivartan scheme. With the rally and the new restrictions scheduled to begin on November 1, the key challenge will be ensuring that supporters can reach the venue without violating the capital's vehicle-entry rules.