The afternoon rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan by the INDIA bloc showcased significant unity among major Opposition parties, advocating for the release of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Leaders expressed worries about the state of democracy in the country, alleging the BJP’s use of Central investigative agencies to weaken the Opposition. In response, the BJP countered that the rally’s focus was not on preserving democracy as claimed but rather a “save family” and “conceal corruption” event.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from the Congress presented five demands to the Election Commission on behalf of the Opposition, emphasizing the need for a fair election environment. She called for an end to attempts to disrupt the finances of Opposition parties and demanded the cessation of actions by agencies like the Enforcement Directorate, CBI, and Income Tax department, without specifically mentioning recent developments related to Congress funds and an Income Tax notice.
#WATCH | Delhi: At the Maha Rally at the Ramlila Maidan, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, “INDIA Alliance has 5 demands. The Election Commission should ensure equal opportunity in the Lok Sabha elections. Second, the ECI should stop the forceful action… pic.twitter.com/pSUBSFwhvm
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2024
The coalition also requested a Special Investigation Team, monitored by the Supreme Court, to probe what they termed as the BJP’s “extortion” of funds via the electoral bonds scheme. The leaders emphasized that the “Loktantra Bachao Rally” symbolizes the INDIA bloc’s dedication to defending, securing, and upholding democracy in India.
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“If the BJP wins these fixed elections and changes the Constitution, the country will be on fire,” declared Congress’s Rahul Gandhi. “You have to decide if you want democracy or dictatorship… Those who support dictatorship need to be kicked out of the country,” added party chief Mallikarjun Kharge.
“A new energy in the politics of India has been born today… Today, the slogan for independence is being raised here… It is our independence that our Constitution and our republic are protected. We will gain this independence,” said CPM’s Sitaram Yechury.
According to BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, the Opposition rally aimed to conceal their corrupt activities.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said, “The Congress is supporting those who have looted the country as Congress has also looted throughout their tenure. From the days of Pandit Nehru, the Jeep scam to the Bofors scam; the coal scam to the commonwealth scam and the 2G scam. All these happened while Congress was in power,”.
