Rahul Gandhi, who leads the opposition, raised questions on Monday about the central government's response to ongoing demonstrations over Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision, noting that public mobilisation had been visible across the preceding four to five days. Opposition to the move had been in place for an extended period.

Commentators and analysts raised questions about what factors led to Delhi being placed under lockdown conditions. At a press briefing held at the Congress party's AICC headquarters in New Delhi, Gandhi questioned why movement into the national capital was being restricted, asking why people were being prevented from travelling there.

Rail and bus services had been brought to a halt. Heavy security measures were in place across Delhi. Gandhi put the total police deployment at close to 30,000 and described the move as an error on the government's part.

The opposition stated its intent to place before the public what it described as evidence of the government shielding Gyanesh Kumar from accountability. Gandhi alleged that members of BJP and RSS had been physically assaulting women, and added that roughly half of all police personnel had privately conveyed to his camp that the course of action being taken was justified and should continue — remarks made in the context of his stated aim of reaching those who could eventually lead investigators to Gyanesh Kumar's handler.

Gandhi separately noted that Delhi Police, when asked where a demonstration could be held, directed that any protest take place at home. A request for space at Jantar Mantar was put forward once more, permission was not granted, and the person was taken into custody. From Rajghat, the journey continued.

Two days prior, a group of students had their planned protest brought to a halt by authorities. A request for additional time was directed to the Chief Justice of India, who directed the parties to submit a petition. Gandhi directed them to pursue available legal avenues, including a petition before the Supreme Court.

Gandhi announced plans to bring opposition MPs with him to the Supreme Court to file the petition that day, and added that the effort represented a prolonged struggle rather than a single day's action. The effort, he stated, was only in its opening phase.

Gandhi stated that roughly 200 government officers had been in contact with his group, adding that operations would press on regardless of any action taken against them. Demonstrators indicated that their commitment to sustained action remained firm.

Gandhi stated that the INDIA bloc's procession would continue until CEC Gyanesh Kumar's removal and a correction of the electoral commission's functioning, and called on the public to join the coalition's efforts. The statement extended an open invitation to anyone prepared to stand behind constitutional principles.

Protesters planned to gather at Barakhamba junction at 1:30 pm for a march, with an additional gathering set for 3:00 pm for those unable to attend the earlier event. People were asked to offer whatever backing they could, in any form that fitted their circumstances.