In a display of unity alongside coalition partners in the INDIA bloc, concluding his 63-day ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ in Mumbai, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the central government, using the Hindi term ‘Shakti’ to emphasize the Opposition’s battle against state power.
Implicitly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul endorsed an INDIA leader’s previous statement, asserting, “The essence of EVMs has been surrendered to the King (PM Modi).” He alleged that a senior Congress member who recently left the party visited Sonia Gandhi, expressing reluctance to face imprisonment.
Referring to the Hindi term ‘Shakti’ (power), Rahul highlighted the Opposition’s struggle against state authority. He pointed out the compromise of EVMs’ integrity and autonomy of institutions like the ED, CBI, and Income Tax department under the current administration.
Rahul shared an anecdote about a former Congress leader in Maharashtra who lamented his inability to confront the prevailing power dynamics. He claimed that numerous individuals were facing similar threats and intimidation tactics.
At the rally, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge echoed Rahul’s sentiments, attributing the ‘Shakti’ the Opposition faces to the RSS (BJP’s ideological parent) and ‘Manuvaad’ (Brahmanical influence).
Earlier, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Quit India’ movement, calling for the BJP’s removal from power from Mumbai.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav praised Rahul’s yatra for its commitment to upholding constitutional values, fostering unity, and combatting divisiveness.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti applauded Rahul’s efforts, highlighting the diversity of thoughts and ideas represented at the rally and the importance of voting rights bestowed by the Constitution.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized the INDIA rally as a mere photo opportunity, referring to it as a series of staged events from Patna to Mumbai.
Overall, the rally showcased the Opposition’s solidarity in challenging state power and advocating for democratic principles and inclusivity.
