New Delhi: The INDIA bloc’s proposed ‘Vote Bachao-Desh Bachao’ mega rally, scheduled for November 1 at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, has sparked a fierce political row. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad strongly condemned the choice of date, accusing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of deliberately ignoring the emotional trauma of the Sikh community.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Prasad questioned the insistence on holding the political gathering on November 1, a day that marks the grim remembrance of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. “Rahul Gandhi is, in a very calculated manner, attempting to rub salt into the wounded sentiments of the Sikh community by insisting on holding his rally on November 1. He refuses to reschedule it, and we condemn this in the strongest possible terms,” Prasad stated.
The BJP leader claimed that the chosen date has also caused friction within the opposition alliance. According to Prasad, a virtual meeting of the INDIA bloc called on October 22 to discuss the event was postponed because several allied parties skipped it, reportedly suggesting that the rally be moved to a different day.
Taking a further dig at the Congress leadership, Prasad reminded the public of a past controversial comment by Gandhi’s close associate, Sam Pitroda, who had dismissively remarked on the 1984 riots by saying, “What happened, happened.” In contrast, Prasad highlighted the Narendra Modi government’s continued efforts to honour Sikh sentiments, citing the opening of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor and the official recognition of the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons.
Escalating his attack, Prasad accused Gandhi of possessing an “anarchist mind” and alleged that the Congress leader aims to create unrest in India at the behest of foreign powers.
Beyond the political and emotional aspects, Prasad also highlighted the severe logistical and economic impact the rally would have on the capital. Noting that Delhi’s wholesale markets are crucial supply hubs for North India, he stated that the mega rally would deliberately disrupt peak festive season business ahead of Diwali. He pointed out that local trader associations have already submitted formal requests to halt the November 1 gathering, which the Congress leadership has allegedly chosen to ignore.