New Delhi: Ramlila Maidan is turning into a sea of Tricolours, tents and barricades before INDIA bloc’s rally on Nov 1. Workers are racing to finish work as Thursday’s rain has left the ground waterlogged.A massive stage draped in saffron, white and green is taking shape at the venue. Rows of chairs are lined up in front of it. Large portions of the ground are covered with black plastic sheets to protect the surface from the rain. Water has accumulated at several spots, making the task more challenging for workers.Amit, a worker from Noida who is involved in the preparations, said his team had been working at the venue for the past 15 days. “The work is progressing, and we have to complete everything by Oct 31 night,” he said. More than 50 workers were at the venue in the morning despite the rain, he added.From erecting the stage and putting up tents to installing barricades and arranging for seating, the workers are handling several tasks simultaneously. Smaller tents are being set up for media personnel, while arrangements for cameras, sound systems, toilets and other facilities are under way.Trucks carrying equipment and materials, along with security barricades, could be seen across the ground.The rally is part of the Opposition’s campaign against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. The Congress and INDIA bloc parties are demanding answers from chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on voter deletions.Delhi Police has planned extensive surveillance, including CCTV cameras, a temporary control room and barricading around the venue.Police have directed organisers to ensure adequate drinking water, toilets, volunteers and crowd management arrangements.For shopkeepers outside the venue, the rally brings the possibility of a busy day of business, though there is also some apprehension about restrictions around the gathering. Yadav, who has been running a tea and snacks shop outside Ramlila Maidan for the last eight years, said political rallies and public gatherings generally bring more customers to the area.“Whenever a rally or any other event takes place here, it helps our business. We are just hoping that, unlike the protests in Connaught Place, the shops will not have to remain closed,” he said.
