Massive Rally at Ramlila Maidan: Opposition Calls for Unity to “Save Democracy”
Bt:- Manan Saini
New Delhi, 1 April 2024 :- In a formidable display of unity, the INDIA alliance convened at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, sending a strong message that anti-BJP forces must unite to safeguard democracy in the country. The coalition warned that the Constitution could be jeopardized if the Modi government secures re-election.
Despite the overarching call for unity, leaders from various parties articulated their respective agendas from the common platform. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi launched scathing attacks on the Modi government, accusing it of freezing Congress’s bank accounts and attempting to manipulate elections in favor of the BJP. Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav from Bihar touted the achievements of his government, highlighting the creation of five lakh jobs in collaboration with JD(U), Congress, and Left parties.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sagarika Ghose criticized the Union government for undermining the federal structure and withholding funds allocated for West Bengal’s welfare schemes. Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav emphasized his vision of “PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak)” empowerment.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren defended his predecessor Hemant Soren and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann focused on the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, portraying him as an unyielding force.
In a concerted effort to underscore the significance of the event, the Congress deployed its top leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi, to address the gathering. The party stressed that the rally was not centered around any individual.
Furthermore, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge delivered a message aimed at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging cooperation between the Congress and AAP in the upcoming elections. With Punjab heading to the polls in the final phase, Kharge’s remarks hinted at a possible collaboration between the two parties.
Despite failed negotiations between Congress and TMC in West Bengal, the Mamata Banerjee-led party reaffirmed its commitment to the INDIA alliance, asserting its presence and solidarity at the rally.
Drawing inspiration from the venue’s significance, speakers invoked Lord Ram, highlighting his principles of patience, tolerance, and respect for adversaries. Priyanka Gandhi, recalling her visits to Ramlila Maidan during Dussehra with her grandmother, emphasized Lord Ram’s message of humility and the transient nature of power.
The rally at Ramlila Maidan served as a platform for opposition parties to voice their concerns and galvanize support ahead of crucial elections, echoing their collective resolve to uphold democratic principles in India.
