Opposition INDIA Bloc hosts massive rally in Delhi; Sunita Kejriwal joins In
PTC News Desk: Opposition leaders and supporters from the INDIA bloc gathered in Delhi on Sunday for a massive 'Loktantra Bachao' rally, denouncing the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The rally served as a display of solidarity against what they perceive as an unjust detention of the Chief Minister by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21.
Among the prominent attendees was Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Arvind Kejriwal, who joined the rally alongside Kalpana Soren, the wife of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Their presence underscored the widespread opposition to the arrest, highlighting the unity within the political bloc.
The arrest of Arvind Kejriwal was linked to a money-laundering case related to the excise policy, adding fuel to the ongoing political turmoil. The 'Loktantra Bachao' rally aimed to voice dissent against what many perceive as a politically motivated action and to advocate for the protection of democratic principles.
1. Today, the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi served as the epicenter of a monumental gathering as the 'Loktantra Bachao' rally, organized by the INDIA Bloc, drew a multitude of key opposition leaders and supporters. Among the notable figures present were Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, along with party leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, and NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar, among others. Adding to the significance of the event, Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, also made her presence felt, amplifying the collective voice against what many perceive as unjust political actions.
#WATCH | Delhi: From the Maha Rally at the Ramlila Maidan, AAP Minister Gopal Rai says, "Protests have erupted in the whole country after March 21. No one is able to understand why a sitting CM has been arrested. But it is not just Arvind Kejriwal. Before arresting the Delhi CM,… pic.twitter.com/GBxuDn7okp — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2024
2. Addressing the fervent crowd, AAP Minister Gopal Rai articulated the prevailing sentiments, stating, "Protests have erupted across the nation since March 21. The arbitrary arrest of a sitting Chief Minister has left the populace bewildered. However, it's not just about Arvind Kejriwal. Prior to his arrest, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren faced a similar fate. The misuse of investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and CBI poses a severe threat to our democracy..."
#WATCH | Delhi: On the INDIA bloc rally today, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi says, "Today it can be said that in order to hide their old crimes, all these parties which were against the Ram Temple, who made resolutions like mass destruction of Hindu religion, made many objectionable… pic.twitter.com/1KpRr92feJ — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2024
3. However, the rally faced criticism from the BJP, with spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi dismissing it as a veiled attempt to shield corruption within political families. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad echoed this sentiment, emphasising, "The participants are tainted by corruption allegations, having looted public funds. They once touted a new era of politics but are now advocating governance from behind bars."
#WATCH | Delhi: On the INDIA bloc's rally at Ramlila Maidan, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "There is no restriction on doing a rally. But who is gathering? Those who are drenched in corruption, those who are jailed for looting public money. The ones who wore a cloak of honesty… pic.twitter.com/yRpyMqPOOu — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2024
4. To ensure the rally proceeded smoothly, the Delhi Police implemented stringent security measures, including thorough checks at entry points and the deployment of paramilitary forces. Restrictions were imposed, prohibiting marches, tractor-trollies, and weapons within central Delhi. Section 144 remained enforced at DDU Marg, the location of political party offices, with strict action promised against any breaches.
Traffic Advisory
In view of a political rally at Ramlila Maidan on March 31, 2024, traffic will be affected.
Kindly follow the traffic advisory. #DPTrafficAdvisory pic.twitter.com/UBozpP2wVA — Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) March 30, 2024
5. Ahead of the rally, traffic advisories were issued, notifying residents of anticipated disruptions and alternative routes. Gopal Rai, overseeing preparations at the Ramlila Maidan, expressed optimism, remarking, "This rally marks a historic moment. Our objective is to dismantle dictatorship and safeguard democracy. We anticipate a record-breaking turnout."
#WATCH | Delhi: On the INDIA bloc's rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan tomorrow, Punjab Minister and AAP leader Balbir Singh says, "This is going to be a historic rally. The aim of it is to eradicate the dictatorship and save the democracy... The rally tomorrow will be so huge that… pic.twitter.com/cZL6pr9T9V — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2024
6. The anticipation for the rally extended beyond Delhi, as Kalpana Soren, wife of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, met with Sunita Kejriwal, affirming their shared resolve to confront prevailing challenges. Kalpana Soren is poised to join the ranks of participants, adding further momentum to the opposition's unified stance.
#WATCH | Kalpana Soren, the wife of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and former CM Hemant Soren meets Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. pic.twitter.com/SVLAkLCpbW — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2024
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(Inputs from agencies)
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