New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday urged people travelling to the national capital for the INDIA bloc’s march and rally on November 1 to support local traders by shopping ahead of Diwali, asserting that the opposition’s programme would not hurt businesses despite the BJP “spreading rumours”.
In a video statement posted on X, Gandhi said lakhs of people were arriving in Delhi from different parts of the country for the march to Ramlila Maidan, where the INDIA bloc is scheduled to hold a rally against alleged electoral irregularities and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
“It is the festive season. Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj are here. I want the lakhs of people coming to Delhi from different parts of the country to support the local traders,” he said.
“Along with protesting, marching and attending the rally tomorrow, do a little shopping too,” Gandhi said, adding that the move would benefit local traders.
He accused the BJP of spreading rumours about the rally disrupting businesses, saying the opposition’s programme would not harm traders.
“Tomorrow, there will be a march, there will be a rally, and lakhs of people will also buy things from the small shops of our local traders. Much love to all of you. Happy Diwali. Jai Hind,” Gandhi said.
His remarks came after the Chamber of Trade and Industry and the Federation of Sadar Bazar Traders Association reportedly urged Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to defer the November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan.
INDIA bloc prepares for show of strength
The stage is set for the INDIA bloc’s rally at Ramlila Maidan, with opposition leaders and supporters from different states expected to participate in the demonstration.
A large tricolour canopy has been erected over the main stage, with separate arrangements for representatives of the alliance’s constituent parties. The programme is scheduled to include a march from Minto Road to Ramlila Maidan, followed by the rally.
The mobilisation extends beyond the alliance’s political constituents. The INDIA bloc has appealed to students, youth, women, workers and civil society members to join the demonstration. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student bodies have also extended support.
Congress general secretary K C Venugopal expressed confidence that the rally would see massive participation, saying people from across the country were travelling to Delhi for the event.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also inspected preparations at Ramlila Maidan.
The rally is being held against alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with opposition parties demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Multiple parties, including those from southern states, have extended support, while chief ministers and Congress leaders from various states are expected to attend.
KTR targets Rahul Gandhi, Revanth Reddy
Ahead of the rally, BRS working president K T Rama Rao took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy over their planned participation in the demonstration.
In a post on X, Rama Rao described the pairing as an “MLA-Chor” accompanying a “Vote-For-Note-Chor” to protest against alleged vote theft.
He accused Rahul Gandhi of encouraging the defection of 10 BRS MLAs to the Congress in Telangana and targeted Revanth Reddy over the alleged “Vote for Note” controversy.
“An MLA-Chor in tow with a Vote-For-Note-Chor protesting against Vote Chori in Delhi tomorrow!” Rama Rao wrote, adding that he believed Gandhi was sitting in a protest alongside Reddy despite the allegations he had levelled against the two leaders.
Rama Rao’s remarks came as opposition leaders prepared to gather in Delhi for the November 1 rally.
