INDIA Bloc Unites at 'Loktantra Bachao' Rally at Delhi's Ramleela Maidan to Condemn BJP's Alleged Authoritarian Tactics

Opposition leaders of INDIA bloc are all set to gather at Delhi's historic Ramlila Maidan for the 'Loktantra Bachao' (save democracy) rally on Sunday. In a show of unity and strength by the opposition ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the rally aims to protest against the alleged misuse of central agencies by the BJP-led central government. The alliance partners of the INDIA bloc will gather to lodge their dissent against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case.

Leaders from various opposition parties are expected to speak out strongly against what they view as the BJP's authoritarian tactics, particularly its alleged misuse of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate, CBI, and Income Tax Department. Among the attendees are Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, and other prominent leaders from parties like Samajwadi Party, NCP, Shiv Sena, RJD, National Conference, PDP, and DMK. Notably, the Trinamool Congress, which previously decided to contest the polls in West Bengal independently, is also expected to participate.

The AAP, in coordination with other opposition parties, has received permission to hold the rally, with over 20,000 attendees expected. However, party officials anticipate a larger turnout, with AAP's Punjab working president setting a target of over 1 lakh participants from the state alone.

Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Arvind Kejriwal, will be present at the rally, along with Kalpana Soren, wife of Hemant Soren. Both women have expressed solidarity and vowed to continue the fight against what they have called "vendetta politics". As per reports, Sunita Kejriwal is expected to speak at the event.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has stated that the rally is not centered on any specific individual but is a collective effort to uphold democratic principles and challenge the perceived authoritarianism of the ruling government. The event symbolizes the unity of around 27-28 opposition parties under the INDIA 'janbandhan'.

Authorities have issued a traffic advisory for the event, with restrictions and diversions in place on several roads from 9 am to 3 pm to manage the crowd.