New Delhi: Launching a scathing attack on the BJP-led government at the Centre, Kalpana Soren, wife of jailed former chief minister of Jharkhand and JMM leader Hemant Soren, said the Opposition rally on Sunday is testament to the fact that the country wants to end the dictatorial regime.
Addressing the I.N.D.I.A bloc's 'Loktantra Bachao' rally at Delhi Ramlila Maidan, Kalpana said, “The history of us Adivasis and tribals is one of struggle. Today I am standing in front of you as the voice of 50 per cent of India's women population and 9 per cent of the tribal community. Today this gathering in this historic ground is testament to fact that you all have come from every part of the country to end the dictatorial government.”
Speaking at the rally, Jharkhand CM Champai Soren said, “The reason why Hemant Soren has been arrested, there is no mention of that land anywhere in any record. BJP did not like the upliftment of the backward classes and communities that Hemant Soren did in Jharkhand. This is the fight our ancestors also fought in Jharkhand. We will not let the ideology of BJP thrive in Jharkhand and the country.”
Addressing the gathering earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s wife Sunita asserted that oppression will not prevail, expressing confidence that her husband will not be detained for an extended period.
Reading out her husband's message from Enforcement Directorate custody, she delivered her inaugural speech at the political rally. Sunita also sought the people’s opinion on whether Kejriwal should step down as Chief Minister and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support bestowed upon her husband.
"The BJP is demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Kejriwal. Should he resign? Is his arrest justified? He is a 'sher' (lion). They won't be able to keep him behind bars for long. This tyranny will not work. My husband is getting lots of blessings,” PTI quoted Sunita as saying.
Kejriwal's message conveyed six assurances under the banner of the I.N.D.I.A bloc, promising uninterrupted electricity supply, free power for the underprivileged, bolstering government schools, expanding Mohalla Clinics and specialised hospitals, ensuring fair prices for farmers' produce, and advocating for full statehood status for Delhi.
Notably, Kejriwal was arrested by the ED over his alleged connection with the Delhi excise policy case. In a similar pattern, Hemant Soren was arrested by the ED in February over his alleged connection with a land scam.