New Delhi saw a day of contrasting political expressions on Sunday, November 2, as the INDIA bloc staged its 'Chalo Dilli' protest at Ramlila Maidan, while a smaller outfit simultaneously marched in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The twin demonstrations highlighted the sharp divisions in the nation's capital.
At Ramlila Maidan, leaders of the INDIA bloc convened, demanding the dismissal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Their protest focused on alleged irregularities within the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi addressed the gathering, making strong assertions about the CEC's future. "Gyanesh Kumar will be removed from the post of Chief Election Commissioner. Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail," Gandhi declared. He further criticized the government, pointing to issues such as unemployment, farmers' grievances, and the concentration of wealth, alleging that a few individuals had monopolized the country's resources. "The farmer is not getting his rights. The youth are not getting employment. The labourer is not getting his rights, and the entire wealth has gone into the hands of two or three people," he stated, adding, "We do not want such an India, and we will not accept such an India."
Meanwhile, a political group named the Lal Hit Janta Party organized a march from Rajghat to Ramlila Maidan. Approximately 200 participants chanted "Modi ji kahin nahi ja rahe bro!" in solidarity with Prime Minister Modi. Led by party founder Ayan Bhatnagar, the outfit issued a statement declaring the march promoted its "Rashtra Pratham" (Nation First) message, reaffirming its commitment to the Constitution and democratic values. They also voiced opposition to the Congress, aiming to challenge the prevailing political narrative surrounding the Prime Minister and national development.
Responding to the INDIA bloc's rally, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra challenged the Opposition's attendance claims. Patra alleged that around 40 percent of Ramlila Maidan remained empty, despite Congress projections of 10 lakh attendees. He specified that between 3:30 pm and 4 pm, approximately 5,000 to 7,000 of the 28,000 arranged chairs at the venue were unoccupied, citing visuals to support his criticism. These parallel events underscored the intense political contest playing out in the heart of the capital.
Image: daijiworld.com
📰 Source: Daijiworld