Politics / BJP to Launch Month-Long Nationwide Padyatras to Counter INDIA Bloc’s Nov. 1 Rally

New Delhi, Oct. 26: With the INDIA Bloc gearing up for its proposed ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ mega rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a month-long nationwide outreach campaign featuring synchronised padyatras (foot marches) led by senior party leaders and ministers.

The campaign is being organised to counter the INDIA Bloc's scheduled 'Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao' mega rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on November 1.

Top Ministers and Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states will be deployed across the country to participate in the padyatras.

BJP National President Nitin Nabin is likely to take part in some of these events.

Additionally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to participate in a padyatra in Hyderabad on November 2 and another in Haryana on November 5.

The INDIA Bloc has announced the mega gathering to protest against the Election Commission of India (ECI) over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition leaders have also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accusing the poll panel of “vote chori” (vote theft).

Earlier, Delhi Police issued a No-Objection Certificate (NOC), clearing security and traffic coordination arrangements for the event from October 25 to November 3.

However, the proposed rally has sparked a political controversy. The BJP has criticised the Congress-led opposition alliance for scheduling the rally on November 1, the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence in Delhi.

Also Read: Are Protests Against CEC In Delhi Spontaneous Or Part Of A Wider Network Linked To 'Singham'?

Adding to the debate, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has written to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, urging them to postpone the rally until after November 10, citing concerns over disruptions during the festive season.

Kharge acknowledged receiving a memorandum from sections of the trading community and said a final decision regarding the rally would be taken after consultations with Congress leaders and INDIA Bloc allies.

The traders’ body welcomed Kharge’s remarks, describing them as a positive sign for Delhi’s business community.