New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday mocked the BJP for attacking the INDIA bloc’s proposed November 1 rally, saying the ruling party’s criticism had only helped promote the Opposition’s November 1 rally against “vote chori”, PTI reported,
In a post on X, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha invited students, farmers, workers, women, young people and traders to join the “Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao” march and mega rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.
Gandhi alleged that voters’ names were being deleted from electoral rolls and that democratic norms were being violated. “Names have been struck off the electoral rolls. Rules and laws have been flouted. And those who dared to ask questions were met with batons. Now, the nation will provide an answer,” he said in his Hindi post.
He claimed that people’s votes were being stolen and said the Opposition would not accept it quietly. “We will not tolerate this silently under any circumstances,” Gandhi said.
Calling the programme a people’s march, he wrote: “November 1st — Chalo Delhi. ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ people’s march and mega rally.”
“Students, farmers, labourers, women, the youth, and traders — everyone who cares about democracy must join us,” he added.
“The vote is yours. The fight is also yours,” Gandhi said.
Sarcastic Thank You
In an apparent jibe at the BJP, Gandhi added: “PS: A heartfelt thank you to the BJP and its allies for promoting this event so enthusiastically and ensuring its call reaches as many people as possible.” He urged them to continue with the same energy for the next seven days.
The BJP on Saturday criticised the Congress over the date chosen for the INDIA bloc’s Delhi rally. It said Rahul Gandhi was “adamant” about holding the event on November 1, the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, and accused him of hurting the feelings of the victims.
Speaking at a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Delhi, party MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said many INDIA bloc partners did not agree with the Congress’s plan and wanted the rally to be postponed.
The BJP said the November 1 date could hurt Sikh sentiments. It also raised concerns that the rally could disrupt business during Diwali.
The rally is part of the INDIA bloc’s protest against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and alleged irregularities involving Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Before the November 1 gathering, Opposition leaders plan a “public impeachment” of Kumar on October 30 at Hotel Ashok. The event will take the shape of a “mock Parliament”, with Opposition MPs and senior leaders expected to announce a public verdict seeking his removal.
