Opposition Coalition Holds Rally in Delhi to Demand Electoral Integrity
Leaders from 21 opposition parties gathered at Ramlila Maidan to protest against alleged electoral misconduct and call for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
A significant rally was held at Ramlila Maidan by leaders and supporters from 21 opposition parties under the INDIA bloc, focusing on allegations of electoral misconduct. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming he manipulates voter selection, stating, "Today, in the country, Narendra Modi is deciding who will cast the vote!" He emphasized the need to remove those he termed 'vote thieves' to protect democracy.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, echoed these sentiments, advocating for a nation where farmers' aspirations are fulfilled and employment opportunities are available. He denounced the concentration of power among a few individuals and called for communal harmony, asserting that the current government spreads hatred. Gandhi invoked Mahatma Gandhi's principle that the voices of the marginalized must be protected.
Mamata Banerjee, chairperson of the All India Trinamool Congress, accused the BJP of undermining democracy in Bengal and beyond, while Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav highlighted the party's complaints to the Election Commission regarding vote theft. He stated, "We still remember Bengal’s election and the pictures from there, where the election was stolen through the might of SIR and force."
Bihar Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav criticized the BJP's claims of patriotism, arguing that the party is attempting to dictate voter eligibility. Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples Democratic Party, warned against efforts to alter the Constitution and restrict voting rights.
Dipankar Bhattacharya from the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation condemned the SIR initiative as a tool for disenfranchisement, while M.A. Baby from CPI(Marxist) labeled Modi the "emperor of lies," asserting that unity is essential to combat electoral fraud. Neha Bora, national president of the All India Students Association, concluded the rally by asserting that the public would resist any anti-national efforts.