Congress-led India bloc gearing up for its show on November 1 at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. Congress believes at least 10 lakh people will be part of its campaign against electoral process ‘foul play.’ The rally will raise the demand to remove Gyanesh Kumar from the post of the Chief Election Commissioner and concern over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Meanwhile, the BJP questioned the Congress about its purpose and slammed Rahul Gandhi over the rally’s timing.
Why Is Congress Planning a Mega Rally on November 1?
The Congress has been framing the proposed meeting as part of its countrywide ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ campaign. The party says the movement is meant to save voting rights, question the integrity of the rolls, and keep the Election Commission in check. The event scheduled for November 1 is likely to draw Congress workers, opposition leaders, and supporters of the INDIA bloc in the national capital. Senior party leaders have urged their supporters to turn out in large numbers, claiming the mass rally is a key milestone in the fightback they have launched. Demanding action from the Congress-led government, the front has asked party units in all states to actively rally supporters and create awareness around issues of voter registration and removal of names from the voters’ lists.
Why is Congress asking for the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar?
The opposition alliance has called for the sacking of Gyanesh Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner, following the allegations related to the functioning of the Election Commission and the SIR exercise. Congress leaders have said that there can be chances of eligible voters being omitted from the electoral rolls, and they asked for transparency in the revision process. They added that such a move can lower the trust voters have in an election. These are still charges leveled by the opposition. Consider the allegations made and the statements of the Election Commission before concluding the matter. This demonstration aims to send a political signal of such concern over these issues, with the Congress aiming to make the campaign a mass mobilization on accountability in elections..
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BJP Asks Rahul Gandhi on Rally Timing
The rally has also caused a different political flutter as BJP has asked Rahul Gandhi why the rally has been scheduled on November 1. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad attacked the Congress leader over the date, which is also associated with 1984 anti-Sikh riots that followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. BJP said having a big political rally coinciding on the day of “horrific” violence was insensitive to the pain and anguish of the Sikh community. The debate has moved on to questions over when the rally was scheduled and what the Congress was trying to prove. The Congress, on the other hand, insists it is fighting the issue of ‘vote chori,’ including the bid to replace Gyanesh Kumar.
What Does the 10 Lakh Crowd Target Signify?
The Congress said it was expecting over 10 lakh people at the Ramlila Maidan rally. According to Congress, the estimate of 10 lakh people at the rally is the party’s target, not the number of people turning up. According to experts, the rally would have been meant to showcase the organizational strength of the INDIA bloc and mobilize supporters from across the country. For Congress leaders, the rally was an opportunity to make their pitch on the need for free and fair elections and the right to vote. The final attendance number will be affected by those attending, transport provision, mobilization, and other logistical considerations. The number announced will therefore be an estimate rather than an expected crowd size.
