Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Opposition MPs Head to Raj Ghat; Rahul Alleges “Criminal Conspiracy” to “Steal Votes”
New Delhi, October 8: The Opposition continued its protest in Delhi for the third consecutive day on Thursday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and opposing the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
After lunch at Moets Restaurant in Connaught Place, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several Opposition MPs left for Raj Ghat, where INDIA bloc leaders are expected to hold a peaceful protest.
Rahul Gandhi Alleges Opposition MPs Being Prevented from Protesting
Rahul Gandhi said nearly 300 MPs from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha wanted to stage a peaceful protest but had allegedly been prevented from doing so for the past two days.
“State and Lok Sabha have around 300 MPs who want to protest peacefully. We have been stopped from protesting for two days,” Rahul Gandhi said.
He alleged that Opposition MPs were initially stopped from protesting outside the Election Commission, following which they sought permission to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
According to Rahul Gandhi, they were again stopped from protesting at Jantar Mantar and alleged that their supporters were attacked.
Rahul Gandhi Makes Strong Allegations Against Government and Constitutional Functionaries
Rahul Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had, through what he termed a “criminal conspiracy,” “hijacked India”, damaged the Constitution and “stolen votes”.
He said the Opposition would ensure that action is taken against those responsible and asserted that they would face punishment.
“We, the Opposition, assure you that action will be taken. They will be punished. This is our guarantee,” Rahul Gandhi said.
Kharge Says INDIA Bloc Will Hold Peaceful Protest at Gandhi Memorial
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said MPs of the INDIA alliance were heading to the Gandhi memorial to stage a peaceful sit-in and pray for the “wisdom” of the BJP government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.
Kharge alleged that the issues being raised by the Opposition—including what it describes as “vote theft”, rising inflation, problems faced by the youth and other issues—were against the interests of the people.
He said the Opposition would go to Gandhi Ji’s memorial to remind the country of the freedom secured through Mahatma Gandhi’s struggle.
Kharge further alleged that the government was attempting to undermine the rights secured through Independence, including the right to vote.
The Opposition has been maintaining its allegations regarding irregularities in the SIR exercise and has continued to demand the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, while the Election Commission has maintained that the electoral-roll revision is being carried out under the prescribed legal and constitutional framework.