Congress Rally Highlights Opposition Unity Against BJP's Alleged Electoral Malpractices
Opposition Unity at Ramlila Maidan
Congress emphasized the importance of opposition unity for the preservation of democracy (Photo: Media House)
New Delhi, Nov 1: On Sunday, the Congress party showcased the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan as a demonstration of opposition solidarity, accusing the BJP of engaging in electoral misconduct and calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
During a press conference, Gaurav Gogoi, president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee and MP from Jorhat, stated that the rally has united various political factions and societal groups in a collective mission to safeguard democracy.
“This is a momentous occasion. The INDIA bloc has evolved beyond a mere coalition of political entities; it has united the nation. Students, farmers, and laborers stand together, and we will protect India’s democracy. The BJP seems intimidated as the populace increasingly rallies together,” Gogoi remarked.
Gaurav Gogoi alongside senior Congress leaders during the INDIA Bloc march (Photo: Media House)
He emphasized that the rally signifies a larger initiative to unify political parties and diverse societal groups, asserting that the opposition's goals extend beyond merely demanding the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation.
“Our ultimate goal is not just the removal of Gyanesh Kumar but to fortify the foundations of Indian democracy,” he added.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing the crowd, accused the BJP of establishing governments through what he termed a “stolen” mandate, specifically mentioning the central government and those in Maharashtra, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
“Whether at the central level or in Maharashtra, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, these are ‘chori’ governments (formed through a stolen mandate). We must oust these ‘vote chor’,” Kharge stated.
He further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are attempting to protect Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, claiming that voters from Dalit communities, youth, and women have been denied their electoral rights.
Reiterating the Congress's call for Kumar's dismissal, Kharge declared, “Modi jayega to hi loktantra bachega, Modi ko hatayenge tabhi loktantra ko bachayenge, Modi ko hatao, loktantra ko bachao (Remove Modi; save democracy).”
Supporters of the India Bloc holding placards demanding the removal of PM Modi (Photo: Media House)
In related news, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of forcibly closing shops in Delhi’s Connaught Place prior to the rally, resulting in losses for local merchants.
While traveling towards the Minto Road–Connaught Place junction, Gandhi recorded a video stating that the INDIA bloc had encouraged rally attendees to shop in the area to support local businesses.
“However, upon arriving at Connaught Place, we discovered that the BJP had forcibly shut down all the shops. The nation is observing how the BJP is harming shopkeepers,” Gandhi remarked.