New Delhi bore witness to a formidable show of strength at the INDIA bloc’s rally in Ramlila Maidan this afternoon, as leaders from major Opposition parties joined forces to demand the release of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Expressing grave concerns about the state of the country’s democracy, they accused the BJP of systematically weakening the Opposition through central investigative agencies. In response, the BJP dismissed the rally’s objectives as thinly veiled attempts to safeguard familial interests and conceal corruption.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of the Congress articulated five key demands to the Election Commission on behalf of the Opposition. These demands included ensuring a level playing field before the elections and halting any efforts to obstruct the finances of Opposition parties, a matter highlighted against the backdrop of recent events such as the freezing of Congress funds and the issuance of Income Tax notices.
The alliance also called for a Supreme Court-monitored Special Investigation Team to probe what they termed as the BJP’s “extortion” of funds through the electoral bonds scheme. Describing the “Loktantra Bachao Rally” as a testament to the INDIA bloc’s unwavering commitment to preserving democracy in India, leaders emphasized the pivotal role of this collective effort in safeguarding the nation’s democratic fabric.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi issued a stark warning about the consequences of potential electoral malpractice, urging citizens to choose between democracy and dictatorship. Mallikarjun Kharge, another prominent party figure, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of defending democratic values.
Punjab Chief Minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Bhagwant Mann emphasized the ideological resilience of Arvind Kejriwal, asserting that his arrest couldn’t extinguish the spirit of millions who share his vision. The presence of Mr. Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal and Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana Soren at the rally underscored the solidarity within the Opposition bloc.
Despite recent differences within the Opposition, notably exemplified by Mamata Banerjee’s decision to contest alone in Bengal, today’s rally signalled a renewed sense of unity and purpose. Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the INDIA alliance, framing the ongoing political struggle as one between the BJP and democracy itself.
The rally coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign launch in Uttar Pradesh, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav dismissing BJP’s electoral rhetoric. Accusing the BJP of authoritarian tactics, he emphasized the global condemnation of elected Chief Ministers being incarcerated without explicit reference to international criticism.
In response, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi dismissed the Opposition rally as a ploy to conceal their corruption, citing historical instances of alleged malfeasance during Congress rule. As political tensions escalate, the battle for democratic ideals continues to define India’s electoral landscape.
