New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday confirmed that the INDIA bloc’s mega protest at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on November 1 would go ahead as scheduled, despite requests from trade associations to postpone the rally due to concerns over business during the festive season.
The Congress-led Opposition alliance is organising the protest against alleged vote theft and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being conducted by the Election Commission of India.
Speaking to reporters, Kharge said the Opposition parties were united in their fight against what they described as electoral irregularities. He alleged that the actions of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had raised concerns and said the protest would continue with the support of alliance partners.
Kharge said the Opposition’s objective was to awaken people to what it considers the government’s alleged misdeeds and attempts to deprive eligible voters of their rights. He added that people from across the country were expected to participate in the November 1 rally.
Rahul Gandhi Appeals for Public Participation
Earlier on Thursday, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi appealed to people to join the protest at Ramlila Maidan. Describing it as a movement to save democracy, oppose alleged vote theft and protect the Constitution, he said the initiative was not limited to any particular political party.
In a video message posted in Hindi on X, Rahul Gandhi also urged student groups across political affiliations to participate, claiming that democratic freedoms and individual expression were under threat.
Traders Raise Concerns Over Business
Meanwhile, several trade associations in Delhi have expressed concerns about the impact of a large-scale rally on commercial activity during the festive season. They have urged Rahul Gandhi to reschedule the ‘Chalo Delhi March’, warning that traffic disruptions and reduced customer movement could affect businesses and traders’ livelihoods.
However, Kharge maintained that the protest remained on schedule, emphasising that the Opposition would continue its campaign against alleged electoral irregularities.
The November 1 rally is expected to bring together INDIA bloc leaders and supporters from different parts of the country, with electoral transparency and voters’ rights at the centre of the protest.
