Senior INDIA bloc leaders on Sunday held a mega rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, accusing the BJP of electoral irregularities and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The rally, held under the banners of 'Chalo Dilli' and 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao', brought together leaders from several Opposition parties, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav.
Addressing the gathering, Rahul Gandhi warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the Opposition would take him on after Gyanesh Kumar, saying, 'After Gyanesh Kumar, we will come for you'. He accused Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the CEC of attacking the Constitution and alleged that the BJP had won elections through 'vote chori' and EVM manipulation.
Kharge called for Modi's removal, saying it was necessary to save the country and protect democracy. Other Opposition leaders, including Banerjee and Yadav, also accused the BJP of electoral manipulation and undermining democratic rights.
Amit Shah countered the Opposition's allegations, telling the INDIA bloc to prepare for another five years in Opposition. BJP president JP Nadda accused the rally of being a conspiracy to push the country into anarchy, while party leaders Sambit Patra and Pralhad Joshi questioned the Opposition's claims and its criticism of the Election Commission.
The rally also drew criticism over its impact on festive-season business in the national capital. Brijesh Goyal, chairman of the Chamber of Trade and Industry, claimed around 2.5 lakh shops across 20–22 markets remained closed due to concerns surrounding the gathering, estimating losses of Rs 10,000–12,000 crore. He said traders had written to Rahul Gandhi seeking intervention.
The Sikkim Democratic Front backed the INDIA bloc's demand for Kumar's resignation and called for replacing EVMs with ballot papers. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi thanked supporters after the rally, saying the turnout reflected a groundswell against alleged 'vote chori' and that democracy and truth would prevail.