Delhi Police deny permission for DOMA rally at Ramlila Maidan, prompting organisers to shift the venue at the last minute
NEW DELHI — In order to save the Constitution from the onslaught of the current government, thousands of members of the Confederation of Dalit, OBC, Minorities and Adivasi Organisations (DOMA Parisangh) on Sunday converged on Ambedkar Bhavan here and took a collective pledge to “save the Constitution” before the statue of Dr BR Ambedkar.
In a striking and symbolic display, the crowd donned identical Ambedkar masks as they recited the pledge, turning the venue into a sea of blue and transforming the gathering into one of the most visually resonant demonstrations of recent months.
The event was originally planned at the iconic Ramlila Maidan by the DOMA Parisangh but the Delhi Police denied permission for it, prompting organisers to shift the event to Ambedkar Bhavan on Rani Jhansi Road.
DOMA leaders said the denial followed a complaint from a BJP leader, alleging the move reflects increasing restrictions on peaceful assembly. It is to be noted that the All India Muslim Personal Law Board was also denied permission at the last minute which had planned to hold a public rally against the controversial Waqf Amendment Act 2025 on November 16.
Despite the last-minute change, thousands gathered at Ambedkar Bhavan. Some supporters who were unaware of the venue shift still arrived at Ramlila Maidan, where they were allegedly mistreated by police. Authorities have not yet responded to these claims.
Heavy security was also deployed around Ambedkar Bhavan. Organisers said police presence prevented participants from marching, prompting fresh concerns about restrictions on democratic expression.
Addressing the crowd, Dr Udit Raj, National Chairman of DOMA, argued that the refusal to grant permission signals a “growing authoritarian tendency” in governance. He said constitutional institutions have become “weakened,” making mass movements essential to defend democracy.
Dr Raj alleged that religious freedoms have eroded, claiming that Muslims face widespread discrimination and Christians are harassed under accusations of religious conversion. He urged marginalised communities—Dalits, OBCs, minorities, and Adivasis—to build strong grassroots networks to safeguard the Constitution.
“DOMA is a social and cultural organisation. Why is the ruling party so intimidated?” Raj asked, questioning the repeated obstacles faced by the group, from the cancellation of the NOC to the restrictions imposed near Ambedkar Bhavan.
Organisers emphasised that Delhi-based events have limited long-term impact, urging members to return to their regions and strengthen local movements grounded in Ambedkarite values, social justice, and scientific thinking. They warned that the promotion of “fanaticism and superstition” by political and media actors threatens India’s democratic foundations.
During the ceremony, thousands pledged to advance DOMA’s core demands, which include safeguarding the Constitution, increasing the reservation cap beyond 50 per cent, preventing electoral malpractice and using ballot papers, conducting a caste census, stopping interference in the Waqf Board, halting privatisation and ensuring reservation in privatised sectors, reservation in the higher judiciary, filling vacant government posts, securing land and equal education rights and last but not least ending contract-based employment.
DOMA leaders said they also focus on protecting religious freedom, guaranteeing minimum wages for farmers, protecting tribal rights to land, water, and forests and restoring the old pension scheme. They said the current government “rejects these demands,” vowing to continue a nationwide campaign in the coming months.
The Delhi Police have not yet released an official statement regarding the denial of permission or the allegations of misconduct at Ramlila Maidan. Similarly, the BJP has not commented on DOMA’s claims about the complaint that led to the cancellation.
DOMA has indicated it will file formal complaints and escalate mobilisation efforts across the country.
