New Delhi: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has sharply dismissed suggestions that the INDIA bloc’s large-scale Delhi protest could hurt local businesses, sarcastically claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are the only people in India who would truly bear the loss, ANI reported.
Addressing reporters before the opposition alliance’s ‘Chalo Delhi’ gathering at Ramlila Maidan, the Rajya Sabha MP argued that the demonstration was not merely a partisan event but a reflection of widespread public discontent. He maintained that citizens were determined to reach the capital despite obstacles placed in their path.
“Lakhs of people are arriving. There are significant attempts to stop them, but the more they try to block people, the larger the crowd will grow. People will break through all the barricades to get here. They want a regime change. They do not want this govt. The strength we are set to demonstrate at the Ramlila Maidan today is the strength of the nation, not just that of any single party. It is the nation’s strength; the people of this country will be there… Such national-level programs will continue to be held in Delhi, right before the eyes of PM Modi and Amit Shah”, he said.
Turning the business-disruption criticism into a political attack, Raut added: “There are no real concerns among the traders; in this country, the only two ‘traders’ are Modi ji and Shah ji. They are certainly suffering losses. If such movements cause them losses, then so be it…”
Attack On Institutions
Raut directed his sharpest criticism at constitutional bodies, alleging that they had abandoned independence and were responding to pressure from those in power. He specifically accused the Election Commission of India of failing to act impartially amid opposition claims of electoral irregularities.
“Constitutional watchdogs have surrendered their autonomy. When votes are manipulated, and institutions turn a blind eye, the people of the country have no option but to demand accountability out in the open. We will not allow the Election Commission to become a front organisation for the ruling party,” Raut asserted.
He said the opposition alliance stood together on the issue of alleged voter-list tampering and what it describes as shrinking democratic space. “This massive mobilisation is a loud and clear message to the government: you cannot govern this country through fear, misuse of agencies, and electoral manipulation. The voice of the people will triumph,” the Sena (UBT) leader added.
SP Leader Backs Protest
Samajwadi Party leader and former MP S.T. Hasan also lent support to the mobilisation, calling it potentially historic if authorities permitted it to proceed freely. He argued that the gathering was necessary to protect the Constitution and preserve democratic norms.
“If the government doesn’t interfere and allows the rally to take place, it is set to be a historic one. This rally is about saving the nation, protecting the Constitution, and safeguarding our democracy,” Hasan told ANI.
He alleged that India’s electoral credibility was being questioned internationally, claiming that fairness was being replaced by coercion. “The message currently circulating globally is that the world’s largest democracy has effectively become a ‘pseudo-democracy’, a place where votes are stolen, fair elections do not occur, and the principle of ‘might is right’ prevails,” the SP leader said.
Hasan urged citizens nationwide to participate in or support the opposition’s effort. “We believe it’s the duty of every Indian to stand up for their country and support this rally to protect our democracy,” he said.