Opposition Gears Up for Massive Rally Against Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest on 31st March 2024
The Opposition in India is preparing for a significant showdown scheduled for 31st March 2024 at Ramlila Ground, where the INDIA bloc is set to hold a massive rally protesting Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The INDIA Bloc’s Rally at Ramlila Ground
This rally marks the first public gathering of the INDIA bloc leaders since the coalition’s formation on June 23 last year in Patna. The alliance, consisting of 11 Opposition parties, is gearing up to make a strong statement against what they perceive as unjust actions by the authorities. It is notable that the opposition parties had failed to take a similar step when former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was arrested.
Over the last three months, the INDIA alliance has faced repeated setbacks in stitching a credible national alternative to the NDA after defections by key constituents like Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. In some states like West Bengal, Congress and Trinamool Congress have decided to go solo.
INDIA Bloc Accuses BJP of using CBI and ED for Political Purpose
The opposition has been accusing the ruling BJP of using central agencies like CBI and ED for political purposes, and Kejriwal’s arrest has emerged as a rallying point for the loosely coupled I.N.D.I.A bloc to build a campaign around this narrative.
The rally at Ramlila Ground is expected to be a major gathering of Opposition voices, highlighting their concerns and grievances against recent developments involving the Delhi Chief Minister’s arrest.
Top Opposition Leaders Confirm Their Presence
Prominent leaders from various Opposition parties have confirmed their participation in the rally. This includes Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former president Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress’s Rajya Sabha leader Derek O’Brien, Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Udhav Thackeray, former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav, and representatives from the Left parties and the DMK.
Trinamool Congress and Other Parties Join the Protest
Trinamool Congress, despite not ceding any seats to the Congress, will be part of the event with Derek O’Brien representing the party. The Left parties, including CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML), and Forward Bloc, will also have their General Secretaries in attendance, along with the DMK’s Rajya Sabha leader Tiruchi Siva.
Speculation on Sunita Kejriwal’s Participation
There is speculation about whether Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, will address the ‘Maharally’. The decision on her participation is expected to be taken later.
Other Significant Invitees and Door-to-Door Drive
The AAP has invited students, youths, RWAs, NGOs and social organizations to the rally. To shore up support, party office-bearers and councilors are holding meetings with people at all polling stations.
Nearly 2,600 AAP teams are going door-to-door inviting people to Ramlila Maidan. Ministers and MLAs have been made observers, who will review the rally preparations.
Permission Granted for the Rally
Authorities have granted permission for the rally, which is expected to have an attendance of more than 20,000 people. This rally gains significance against the backdrop of Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest, adding momentum to the Opposition’s protest.
Traffic Advisory Issued
The Delhi Traffic Police have issued an advisory ahead of the upcoming INDIA bloc rally, which is being held in protest against the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, scheduled at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday (31st March 2024).
The traffic police advisory stated that traffic rules and restrictions will be in place during the event, which is expected to be held from 9 am to 3 pm. Areas like Ranjeet Singh Flyover, Vivekanand Marg, JLN Marg, and Chaman Lal Marg will experience regulated or potentially restricted traffic movement.
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