Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has appealed to citizens, students and youth to participate in the INDIA bloc’s November 1 march at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. Describing the demonstration as a movement to protect democracy and the Constitution, he urged people not to be discouraged by the possibility of police action.
In a video message shared on social media on October 29, Gandhi called the programme the ‘Chalo Dilli Ramlila March’ and said it was not associated with any single political party but concerned the country’s democratic values.
Rahul Gandhi Appeals for Wider Public Participation
Gandhi asked people who were concerned about democracy, voting rights and constitutional protections to join the march. He also specifically appealed to student organisations across political affiliations to participate.
He said the demonstration was intended to raise concerns over alleged vote theft and electoral irregularities. Gandhi urged participants not to worry about police or lathis and called on them to march together to protect the Constitution.
INDIA Bloc Plans Major Demonstration in Delhi
The November 1 programme is being organised by opposition parties under the INDIA bloc. The march is scheduled to culminate at Ramlila Maidan, where a public rally will also take place.
Congress leaders have been mobilising party workers and supporters from different states for the demonstration. Party representatives have also raised concerns about possible obstacles to participation, including transport-related issues.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Electoral Rolls
The protest centres on opposition allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the deletion of voters’ names. Congress leaders have accused the Election Commission of failing to address questions about the revision process.
The ruling BJP and the Election Commission have faced repeated criticism from opposition parties over these issues, while the allegations remain part of an ongoing political dispute.
CEC Protest Scheduled Ahead of the Rally
The INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally follows a separate symbolic programme concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition had planned a public impeachment-style proceeding on October 30 but postponed it because of heavy rain in Delhi.
The programme was rescheduled for October 31, with former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar expected to preside over it.
Political Focus Turns to November 1
With Rahul Gandhi’s appeal and preparations by opposition parties, the Ramlila Maidan demonstration is emerging as a major event in the INDIA bloc’s campaign on electoral issues.
The march is expected to bring together opposition leaders, party workers, students and citizens who wish to raise concerns about voting rights and electoral transparency.
