At the 'Loktantra Bachao (Save Democracy)' rally organised by the I.N.D.I.A. Opposition bloc at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra put forth five demands, including the immediate release of former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, as well as a Supreme Court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into BJP's funding received from electoral bonds.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra outlined the five demands of the Opposition including:
1. The Election Commission of India should ensure a level-playing field in the Lok Sabha polls.
2. The EC should halt forceful actions by agencies like Income Tax, CBI, and ED against the opposition, aimed at manipulating elections.
3. Immediate release of Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal.
4. Stop attempts to strangle opposition parties financially.
5. Formation of a Supreme Court-monitored SIT to probe extortion and money laundering charges levelled by the BJP.
Addressing the gathering, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stressed on the importance of upholding democratic principles and ensuring fairness in the electoral process. According to news agency PTI, she quoted Lord Ram's message, stating, "I want to tell those sitting in power...power does not last forever...ego is shattered one day. This was the message of Lord Ram and his life."
Rahul Gandhi Accuses PM Modi Of 'Match-Fixing'
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing the 'Loktantra Bachao' rally at Ramlila Maidan, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of attempting to fix the Lok Sabha polls. He warned against the BJP's efforts to change the Constitution and strip away people's rights.
According to PTI, Gandhi asserted, "This is not an ordinary election but one to save the country’s democracy and Constitution." He likened Modi's tactics to match-fixing in cricket, alleging manipulation through pressure on opposition leaders, buying media, and tampering with EVMs.
Gandhi criticised the BJP's use of threats, intimidation tactics by police, CBI, and ED, and attempts to suppress dissenting voices. He warned against the consequences of allowing the BJP to win through match-fixing and change the Constitution, stressing the importance of safeguarding democracy and constitutional rights.
"This election is not just about votes; it is to save the country and the Constitution," the former Congress president affirmed, underlining the gravity of the situation and the need for collective action to protect democratic values. More On It: 'Can't Win Even 180 Seats...': Rahul's Big 'Match-Fixing' Charge Against PM Modi At Oppn Rally