Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 1: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the BJP leadership over concerns that the INDIA bloc's mega rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan could disrupt businesses, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were the country's "only two traders" and that any losses they suffered due to the protest were justified.
Speaking ahead of the opposition alliance's 'Chalo Delhi' rally, Raut said lakhs of people were heading towards the national capital despite attempts to prevent their participation. He asserted that the mobilisation was aimed at demanding a change in government and defending constitutional democracy.
"People are arriving in lakhs. There are significant attempts to stop them, but the more they try to block people, the larger the crowd will grow. People will break through all the barricades to get here. They want a regime change. They do not want this government," Raut said.
He described the rally as a demonstration of the strength of the nation rather than that of any individual political party, adding that such programmes would continue to be held in Delhi in front of the Prime Minister and Home Minister.
Responding to concerns over possible business losses due to the rally, Raut said ordinary traders had no reason to worry and took a swipe at Modi and Shah.
"There are no real concerns among the traders; in this country, the only two 'traders' are Modi ji and Shah ji. They are certainly suffering losses. If such movements cause them losses, then so be it," he remarked.
Raut also accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of functioning under pressure from the ruling establishment and failing to protect its institutional independence.
He alleged that constitutional watchdogs had surrendered their autonomy and accused the authorities of turning a blind eye to alleged voter manipulation. He said the opposition would not allow the Election Commission to become a front organisation for the ruling party.
Backing the opposition campaign, Samajwadi Party leader and former MP S T Hasan described the rally as potentially historic, provided the government allowed it to proceed without interference.
Speaking in Moradabad, Hasan said the demonstration was aimed at protecting the Constitution and democratic values. He expressed concern over India's global image, claiming that allegations of electoral irregularities were damaging the country's reputation as the world's largest democracy.
Hasan alleged that fair electoral practices were being undermined and urged citizens to support the opposition's initiative.
The INDIA bloc's 'Chalo Delhi' rally at Ramlila Maidan is scheduled to begin at 11 am. Opposition MPs are expected to assemble at the Constitution Club before proceeding towards the venue from the Minto Road-Connaught Place junction at noon.
Top opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee, Hemant Soren, Revanth Reddy, Tejashwi Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav, are expected to attend.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police has announced restrictions and diversions across parts of Central Delhi from 10 am to 5 pm in view of the rally and advised commuters to plan their journeys accordingly.