Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday sarcastically thanked the BJP and its allies for publicising the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally against alleged "vote chori" and helping its message reach more people, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
The rally is part of a series of Opposition protests against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and alleged poll irregularities by the Chief Election Commissioner.
Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, alleged that people's votes were being stolen and said, "We will not tolerate this silently under any circumstances."
"Names have been struck off the electoral rolls. Rules and laws have been flouted. And those who dared to ask questions were met with batons. Now, the nation will provide an answer," Gandhi said in a Hindi post on X, according to PTI.
Calling on people to join the protest, Gandhi said, "November 1st — Chalo Delhi. 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' people's march and mega rally." He added, "Students, farmers, labourers, women, the youth, and traders — everyone who cares about democracy must join us."
"The vote is yours. The fight is also yours," Gandhi said. In a swipe at the BJP, he added, "PS: A heartfelt thank you to the BJP and its allies for promoting this event so enthusiastically and ensuring its call reaches as many people as possible." He asked them to maintain the same "energy and dedication" for the next seven days.
The BJP had on Saturday criticised the Congress over the INDIA bloc's proposed rally in Delhi, alleging that Gandhi was "adamant" on holding it on November 1 to rub salt into the wounds of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
At a press conference at the BJP headquarters, party MP Ravi Shankar Prasad claimed that several INDIA bloc constituents were not convinced by the Congress's plan to hold the rally on November 1 and wanted it rescheduled, PTI reported.
Leaders of the Opposition alliance will hold what they have called a "public impeachment" of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 30 and announce a public verdict against him.
Congress general secretary in charge of organisation K C Venugopal described the "Dilli Chalo" march to Ramlila Maidan as the party's biggest protest against alleged "vote chori".
The November 1 rally will focus on allegations of deleted voter names and electoral irregularities, with the INDIA bloc calling on different sections of society to join its campaign to "save votes" and "save the country".
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