New Delhi: Amid the massive rally being organized by the INDIA Bloc on November 1, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has devised a counter-strategy. The BJP will begin a month-long padyatra across the country on that day. These padyatras will be led by senior party leaders.
This campaign is being organized in response to the INDIA Bloc’s proposed “Save Vote, Save Country” mega rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. Union ministers and chief ministers from BJP-ruled states will participate in these padyatras across the country.
BJP National President Nitin Naveen is also expected to participate in some of the events. Furthermore, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to participate in padyatras in Hyderabad on November 2 and Haryana on November 5.
INDIA Bloc protests over SIR and alleged ‘vote theft’
The INDIA Bloc has announced a mega rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1st. Opposition parties intend to protest against the Election Commission of India (ECI) over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.
Opposition leaders have also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. They allege irregularities in the voter list preparation process and that ‘vote theft’ has occurred.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the event, approving security and traffic coordination arrangements from October 25th to November 3rd.
Controversy over rally on the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots
The proposed rally on November 1st has sparked political controversy. The BJP is targeting the Congress-led opposition alliance. The party says that November 1st marks the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence in Delhi.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, urging them to postpone the rally. The trade association has requested that the rally be held after November 10th, given the festive season.
Final decision on rally after discussions with allies
Mallikarjun Kharge acknowledged that some traders had submitted a memorandum on the matter. He clarified that a final decision on further action will be taken after consultations with the Congress Party and India Bloc allies.
The trade association welcomed Kharge’s statement, calling it a ray of hope for Delhi’s business community.