Congress Defends November 1 INDIA Bloc Rally, Rejects BJP’s Diwali Disruption Allegation

Congress MP Jebi Mather said the rally was intended to push for greater transparency in the electoral system and protect democratic institutions. She accused the BJP of shifting the focus towards the festival instead of addressing the Opposition’s concerns over alleged irregularities in the electoral process.

“This is a very important step in ensuring transparency in the election system and ensuring that our democracy is protected,” Mather said.

She maintained that the Opposition’s campaign was centred on electoral transparency and democratic safeguards, adding that the rally should be viewed in that context.

“We want to make this Diwali a celebration of lights, hope and joy, and a victory for democracy. Everybody who believes democracy should be protected will definitely stand for this,” she said.

## Udit Raj Questions Traders’ Concerns

Congress leader Udit Raj also criticised the objections raised over the rally’s timing, questioning why traders’ organisations had not expressed similar concerns during earlier events and policy decisions that, he alleged, affected businesses.

He cited the farmers’ protest and demonetisation, while also criticising the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Raj alleged that traders had faced pressure from officials and instances of extortion.

He further claimed that some traders’ organisations were acting under pressure from the BJP, though he did not provide evidence for the allegation in his remarks.

Raj questioned why business groups had not raised comparable objections over the economic impact of earlier government decisions.

## Meghwal Raises Concerns Over Date and Business Impact

Earlier, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal opposed holding the rally on November 1, referring to the 1984 anti-Sikh violence in Delhi and representations submitted by traders.

“Sikhs were subjected to horrific atrocities in Delhi on that day. Traders have also submitted written representations, yet Rahul Gandhi remains adamant that the event must be held on November 1 itself,” Meghwal said.

He also questioned whether the proposed gathering could affect commercial activity in surrounding areas during the Diwali period and asked whether the Congress intended to disrupt the celebrations.

The BJP’s objections have focused on the choice of date, the historical significance of November 1 and the possible impact on traders during the festive season. The Congress, meanwhile, has defended the rally as part of its campaign for electoral transparency and the protection of voters’ rights.

## INDIA Bloc Plans ‘Delhi Chalo March’

The proposed event, titled the ‘Delhi Chalo March’, is scheduled for November 1. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is expected to join other Opposition leaders in the march towards Ramlila Maidan.

The rally is being presented by the INDIA bloc as part of its campaign concerning electoral transparency and democratic safeguards.

With the Congress defending the political purpose of the gathering and the BJP raising concerns over its timing and potential commercial impact, the proposed rally has become a point of contention between the ruling party and the Opposition ahead of the event.