'Thanks BJP for promoting': Rahul takes swipe at govt over Nov 1 rally in Delhi

Lok Sabha's opposition leader, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday expressed gratitude to the BJP and its allies for promoting the November 1 rally of the INDIA bloc at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan. He urged the public to participate in a "Save the Vote, Save the Country" march, alleging that voter names were removed from electoral rolls and rules were violated.

Rahul called upon students, farmers, workers, women, youth, and traders to attend the rally, emphasizing their role in defending democracy. He thanked the BJP and its allies for their enthusiasm in promoting the event, urging them to maintain that same dedication for the following seven days. However, the BJP objected to the rally date, stating that it coincided with the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which could hurt Sikh sentiments.

Various business associations, including Delhi's Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of LPG Distributors of India, also criticized the rally, citing potential disruptions to business and festive season trade. Meanwhile, INDIA bloc leaders plan to hold a "public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 30, alongside a mock Parliament at Delhi's Hotel Ashok, centered on allegations of "vote chori" and irregularities in the SIR of electoral rolls.