In a bold display of unity against perceived electoral tampering, leaders of the INDIA bloc convened at New Delhi’s historic Ramlila Maidan on Sunday. They accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of orchestrating manipulative tactics to sway the upcoming national elections, rallying voters to safeguard democracy.
Citing the recent arrests of two chief ministers—Arvind Kejriwal of AAP in Delhi and Hemant Soren of JMM in Jharkhand—alongside the freezing of Congress party bank accounts, INDIA bloc leaders denounced these actions as part of the PM’s alleged scheme to influence the elections.
“PM Modi’s agenda is clear: to manipulate the Lok Sabha polls. The arrests, the financial constraints imposed on us, the sudden appointment of two Election Commissioners, and undue pressure on the judiciary are all indicative,” remarked former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.
“Despite the PM’s claims of a sweeping victory for BJP, without such interference, their success would be far from assured. The collusion between the PM and a select few aims to alter the very fabric of our Constitution. Your vote is our defense,” he asserted. Despite recent discord within the INDIA alliance over seat allocations, the Sunday rally resonated with resolute affirmations from its leaders.
“While we may clash with AAP in Punjab, our commitment to upholding the Constitution unites us all,” affirmed Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge. “Our allegiance to the INDIA bloc is steadfast,” echoed TMC’s Derk O’Brien, rebuking the Central government. Although Congress has forged alliances with AAP in select states, including Delhi, Gujarat, Goa, and Haryana, it remains estranged from TMC in West Bengal.
Allies of Rahul Gandhi in Bihar, such as RJD’s Tejaswi Yadav, and in Uttar Pradesh, like SP’s Akhilesh Yadav, echoed similar sentiments, challenging BJP’s assertion of securing 400 seats and noting widespread discontent against the ruling party.
“Why incarcerate opposition leaders if victory is assured? Why stifle Congress financially? We fear no intimidation. We shall persist in amplifying the voices of the marginalized,” declared Tejaswi Yadav.
Akhilesh Yadav reflected on BJP’s previous electoral triumphs in Uttar Pradesh, predicting a stark reversal this time. “Their projected victory of 400 seats will remain a fantasy. The people of our state extend warm welcomes but are equally adept at delivering resounding rejections. BJP’s defeat is imminent not only in UP but nationwide.” Bihar and UP, with their significant electoral sway, are poised to present formidable challenges to BJP by the INDIA bloc.
Elsewhere, allies in Maharashtra, such as NCP’s Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray, urged voters to “defend democracy by thwarting BJP’s ambitions.” Sitaram Yechury of CPI-M emphasized the necessity for a grassroots mobilization akin to the 1974 JP movement, while CPI-ML’s Dipankar Bhattacharya decried BJP’s centralization of power.
DMK’s Tiruchi Siva relayed Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin’s unwavering support for the opposition bloc. “Detaining opposition leaders prior to elections reeks of foul play. J&K’s leaders suffered similar fates. This administration epitomizes corruption, and we stand united to safeguard our Constitution,” echoed PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, formerly allied with BJP.
The Delhi rally marked the third demonstration of opposition strength following gatherings in Patna on March 3 and Mumbai on March 17.
