BJP Lambasts Opposition’s Ram Lila Maidan Meet, Terms It ‘Everybody With Corruption’ Rally

The Aam Aadmi Party called for the 'Maha Rally' or 'Loktantra Bachao Rally' with the support of opposition leaders and the INDIA bloc which will be held today at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan to 'protect the interests and democracy of the country'.

This rally was announced following the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate in relation to a money-laundering case connected to the excise policy.

Addressing a press conference on the rally, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that it will not be a person-specific rally and thus the name 'Loktantra Bachao Rally'. He also mentioned that this is not one party's rally, about 27-28 parties of the INDIA janbandhan will be taking part in the rally.

The INDIA Bloc's Maha Rally will take place at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on March 31.

The INDIA Bloc's Maha Rally starts at 10 am on March 31 at the Ramlila Maidan in Dlehi.

Top INDIA bloc leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Bhagwant Mann, Akhilesh Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav will participate in the rally.

It will also be attended by National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah, party vice president Omar Abdullah said. An Aam Aadmi Party leader told PTI that Delhi chief minister's wife Sunita Kejriwal is also likely to be in attendance.

While addressing a press conference on Saturday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh mentioned that 27-28 parties will be participating in the rally.

The purpose of the rally is to 'protect the interests and democracy of the country', as stated by the Aam Aadmi Party.

The announcement of the rally came after the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate in relation to a money-laundering case connected to an excise policy.

The Congress party has expressed that this rally by INDIA bloc will send a strong message to the Lok Kalyan Marg, where the prime minister's residence is located, indicating that the 'time is up' for the BJP-led government.

he Delhi Police has made elaborate arrangements with checking at every gate and deployment of paramilitary personnel in and around the Ramlila Maidan for INDIA block's 'Maharally'.

The Delhi Police has allowed the rally to take place with certain conditions, including no march, no tractor trollies, and no weapons in central Delhi.

Section 144 will remain imposed at the DDU Marg, where the offices of political parties are located even though the rally is allowed.

No march will be allowed from the Ramlila Maidan, an officer told PTI, adding that strict action will be taken if any violations take place.

"We have made elaborate security arrangements so that the general public doesn't face any inconvenience due to the rally," a senior police officer told PTI.

The preparations for setting up the stage and the place for people to stand have been prepared and since the early morning of March 31, visuals from Ramlila Maidan have been shared by PTI.

Additional force have been deployed to handle any situation that may arise around the 'Maha Rally' at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.

AAP leader Adil Ahmad Khan present at the Ramlila Maidan ahead of the 'Maha Rally' spoke to PTI and said, "Arvind Kejriwal, the country's most popular leader and a three-time Delhi CM, has been arrested illegally and has been sent to jail by the BJP. People of the entire country, especially those in Delhi, are angry about this. They have jailed someone who improved the education and health facilities in Delhi, and provided free bus services to women."

He also added that he expects the large number of people from Delhi to participate in the rally and stand for the common cause.

Accusing BJP of arresting Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in 'fake case', AAP leader Durgesh Pathak told media that people across the country are angry against the government and a large mass is expected to participate in the rally.

Cutouts of Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge can be seen being put up across Delhi for their 'Maha Rally' at Ramlila Maidan.

Several supporters of political parties under INDIA bloc can be seen gathering at Ramlila Maidan ahead of the 'Maha Rally' on March 31.

Speaking about the purpose of the 'Maha Rally', AAP chief national spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said, "Opposition leaders are being jailed so that no one is left to ask questions, and it's an effort to end the democracy. Arvind Kejriwal has also been arrested. Therefore, all opposition leaders will be here today."

Kakkar also added, "Sunita Kejriwal (wife of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal) will also be here."

Delhi Congress president Arvinder Singh Lovely upon reaching the location of the 'Maha Rally' told the reporters, "the way the Constitution is being attacked, and opposition parties are being threatened, there's threat to democracy. Therefore, the Congress and INDIA alliance have gathered here to save the democracy."

Upon reaching Ramlila Maidan for 'Maha rally', Delhi minister Atishi expressed that this rally does not belong to just one party but to the 'people of Delhi'.

She added, "Common people of Delhi have gathered today in protest against Arvind Kejriwal's arrest."

JMM Leader Mahua Majhi upon reaching Ramlila Maidan for 'Maha Rally' told the reporters, "The story of Jharkhand and Delhi is the same. Kalpana Soren (wife of jailed ex-Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren) and Sunita Kejriwal (wife of jailed Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal) are also here. Women empowerment can be seen here in the INDIA alliance."

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi during a press meet on Sunday, said that "Those who criticised the construction of the Ram Temple (in Ayodhya) and made objectionable remarks on Hindu Gods and Goddesses have gathered here at Ramlila Maidan today to hide their corruption."

He added, "This is 'chori upar se seena jori'."

Trivedi continuing his attack on the opposition parties for the rally, said it is not a 'save democracy' rally but 'save family', 'hide corruption' rally.

He also reminded Arvind Kejriwal's 'India against corruption' demonstration with Anna Hazare in Ramlila Maidan in 2011 and said, "it will today witness scenes of 'everybody with corruption'".

Anita Singh, wife of jailed AAP Leader Sanjay Singh reached the Ramlila Maidan for the 'Maha Rally' on Sunday morning and told reporters, "They (BJP) should forget about crossing the 400 seat-mark (in Lok Sabha elections). Even if they cross the 200 seat-mark, then that would be big."

From Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, cabinet ministers and MLAs will participate in the rally.

AAP Punjab state unit working president Budh Ram said, "We have set a target of 1.25 lakh people from Punjab to participate in the protest."

All the MLAs had held outreach programmes in their respective assembly constituencies to ensure maximum participation of people in the rally. Party workers were deputed to mobilise people for the Sunday rally.

"People are angry against the arrest of Kejriwal ji which is the handiwork of the Modi government and they are eager to participate in the rally," Ram said.

Upon reaching Ramlila Maidan for 'Maha Rally' on Sunday, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj told reporters, "People from every corner of Delhi are coming here today. Our partners from Punjab arrived here yesterday night. Our people from Assam, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh are also coming (to participate in the rally). I would like to thank everyone who is coming here today to give their blessings to (Delhi CM) Arvind Kejriwal."

Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav reaches Ramlila Maidan to participate in the 'Maha Rally' hosted by AAP with the support of INDIA bloc parties.

Yadav told reporters, "BJP is worried that it is going (out of power). While we (opposition leaders) are coming to Delhi today, the PM is going out of Delhi. This shows that who is going out (of power)."

AAP leader Gopal Rai upon reaching near Ramlila Maidan on Sunday told the media, “BJP is afraid of the unity within the INDIA alliance. BJP is speaking the language of fear.”

"The INDIA alliance has gathered today in the country's capital, Delhi, to save the Constitution," says Congress leader Alka Lamba on INDIA bloc's 'Save Democracy' rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.

Punjab Assembly Speaker and AAP leader Kultar Singh Sandhwan said, “They are trying to attack the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Ambedkar. This is a huge conspiracy against democracy. The entire country is coming together against this.”

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari reached the Ramlila Maidan and said, "The entire nation has gathered here."

Upon reaching Ramlila Maidan, CPI leader D Raja stated, "BJP is the most corrupt party in India."

CPI-M leader Brinda Karat says, "The message is that people from all over the country have gathered against this dictator and communal government. This Maha rally in Delhi is against Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren's arrest, UAPA's constant use and ED-CBI's misuse. It only shows that this government is not confident..."

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate says, "The democracy is being attacked. The whole country is standing in the favour of democracy. And we have come here to give the same message..."

Congress MP Deepender Hooda says, "This battle is to safeguard the nation, democracy, constitution, future of the nation, youth, farmers and women. This battle is for justice and truth. We believe the whole country will support the INDIA bloc in this battle. Everyone will unitely fight this battle."

A huge crowd of AAP supporters followed the car in which Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann arrived at the Ramlila Maidan on Sunday.

Upon reaching Ramlila Maidan, jailed former Jharkhan CM Hemant Soren's wife Kalpana Soren told the media, "We want to tell everyone that in order to save the democracy, people will need to come on the road. The way people have gathered here today; what our leaders will say will definitely go to their heart."

Kalpana Soren met Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal yesterday in Delhi, the latter will also be present at the rally today.

Congress top leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi join rest of the INDIA bloc leaders at the main stage of 'Maha Rally' at Ramlila Maidan.

Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray addressed the 'Loktantra Rally' 'Maha Rally' by the INDIA bloc. He said, "Few days ago, there was an apprehension if our country is moving towards dictatorship, but now it is not an apprehension, it is reality."

Speaking about Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal's arrest, Thackeray added, "If the BJP government thinks that people will be afraid with the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren, then they have not recognised their countrymen. The people of India are not meant to afraid, they know how to fight."

During his speech, Thackeray suggested a slogan for BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls - ‘Abki Baar - BJP Tadipaar’.

PDP chief and former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti speaking at the 'Loktantra Rally' at Ramlila Maidan expressed, "The country is going through difficult times. The situation is such that people are directly sent to jail without any investigation. Maybe, this is what we call the 'Kalyug' of Amrit Kaal'."

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal who is currently under ED custody had written a letter which his wife Sunita Kejriwal read out during the INDIA bloc's 'Loktantra' Rally or Maha Rally at Ramlila Maidan on March 31.

The letter is addressed to the countrymen, she said, "mere pyare bharat vasyio". And continuing to read, she quoted Kejriwal saying, "I am not asking for votes today... I invite 140 crore Indians to make a new India."

Further in the letter, Kejriwal has praised about India and its tradition while he also asked questions about the 'lack of development' in the country." People of Delhi have faced injustice in last 75 years; we will make Delhi full state if INDIA bloc comes to power," Kejriwal said in his message in the letter.

The letter also included Kejriwal saying, "If voted to power, INDIA bloc to fulfill 6 guarantees, including good hospitals and education."

Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren who is currently incarcerated could not join the rally but his wife, Kalpana Soren participated and while giving a speech at the 'Maha Rally', she said, "This historic 'sankalp sabha' is being organised today against dictatorship (in the country). I thank everyone who has come here today, this will only strengthen the INDIA alliance."

She also mentioned, "I am standing in front of you as the voice of 50 per cent of India's women population and 9 per cent of the tribal community."

CPI leader D Raja in his speech at the Ramlila Maidan said, “Arvind Kejriwal, the elected Chief Minister of an elected government in Delhi, has been arrested. The union government is using ED, Income Tax Department, and all central agencies to target the opposition parties.”

CPI(ML) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya said, “The country is watching the ways elections are being conducted now. The central government is not fighting elections but against democracy, the Constitution, and the opposition.”

Speaking at Ramlila Maidan, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, ""The crowd here in Delhi is telling that Modi Ji will leave like a storm, just like he came (to power) like a storm. The first rally we held in Patna, second in Mumbai and the third is being held here in Delhi. Wherever we are going, we are getting people's support and blessings. Today, we all have gathered here to save the country's democracy, Constitution and brotherhood."

TMC MP Derek O'Brien during his speech at the Ramlila Maidan said, ""Let me first state that the TMC very much was, is and will be part of the INDIA alliance. This is a fight between BJP and democracy, a fight between Modi guarantee and zero warranty."

First-time candidate and new member of TMC, Sagarika Ghose said, "On behalf of the TMC and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, I want to state that the TMC is with Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP. I also want to state that the TMC is with the INDIA alliance."

During his speech National Conference leader Farooq Abdulla said, "We just have one aim and that is to save the Constitution."

At the Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed the gathering as he began to talk about the financial difficulties the opposition parties especially Congress have experienced recently after their bank accounts were frozen and Income Tax notices were issued.

Gandhi said, "Congress is the biggest opposition party and all our bank accounts have been closed in the middle of elections. We have to run campaign, send workers to states, put up posters but all our bank accounts have been closed. What kind of election is this."

He also claimed that Lok Sabha polls being controlled by BJP like that of 'match fixing'. He said, "IPL matches are being held today. When umpires are pressurised, players are bought and captains are threatened to win matches, it is called match fixing in cricket. We have Lok Sabha polls before us; umpires were chosen by PM Modi. Two players from our team have been arrested before the match."

CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury on Sunday said if the country wants “freedom from corruption, then it should seek freedom from BJP”.

Yechury while addressing the INDIA bloc's 'Loktantra Bachao' rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi said: “If we seek freedom from corruption, unemployment, and inflation in the country, then we should seek freedom from this government (BJP).”

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said there cannot be prosperity in the country until Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ideology is removed.

Kharge during his address at the INDIA bloc's 'Loktantra Bachao' rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi said there is no level-playing field in this election.

He said PM Modi has dug up the ground and is asking opposition to play cricket there.

“BJP, RSS like poison, don't taste it. They have destroyed country,” he said.

He also alleged PM Modi is misusing institutions to threaten opposition parties and leaders to form BJP governments in states.

"This is a stage for 'unity in diversity'. There's unity in our diversity, and that's why this rally has been organised. I thank all our partners for this. This meeting has just one aim, and that is to unite the opposition,"he added.

He also said the upcoming Lok Sabha election is for saving democracy and Constitution.

“We must fight unitedly,” he said.

Kharge said he told BJP chief J P Nadda that this election is not fair as their party funds have already been stolen.

“We need to unite, only then we will be able to fight; we won't succeed if we keep attacking each other,” he said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address at Opposition’s rally in Delhi’s Ram Lila Maidan.

"If you don't give votes judiciously, the match-fixer will win," Rahul Gandhi said.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not want the opposition to fight the election. Just before the election, he sent two chief ministers to jail. He has frozen all our accounts. Why did you do this just before the election? You could have done it after six months, before six months," he said.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Sunday said she wants to remind Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the message of Lord Ram.

During her address at the Opposition’s rally in Delhi’s Ram Lila Maidan, she said: “I want to tell those sitting in power, I want to remind PM Modi the message of Lord Ram: power does not last forever, power comes and goes; ego is shattered one day. This was the message of Lord Ram and his life."

The Opposition has demanded immediate release of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Delhi Chief Miinister Arvind Kejriwal at its 'Loktantra Bachao Maharally' in Delhi’s Ram Lila Maidan.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi while reading out INDIA bloc demands at the rally said: “During polls, action to forcefully scuttle opposition parties' finances be immediately stopped”.

She added the Opposition leaders including Hemant Soren, Arvind Kejriwal should be immediately released.

"These are INDIA alliance's five demands: The Election Commission of India should ensure level-playing field in the Lok Sabha polls; second, the EC should stop forceful action of Income Tax, CBI and ED against opposition done with the intention of manipulating the elections; third, Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal be released with immediate effect; fourth, attempts to strangle the opposition parties financially should be stopped; and fifth, a Supreme Court monitored SIT should be formed to probe the extortion and money laundering charges by levelled by the BJP out of revenge," she said.

INDIA alliance leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, J&K NC leader Farooq Abdullah, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, Jharkhand CM Champai Soren and other leaders at the INDIA alliance rally in Ramlila Maidan, Delhi.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday while commenting over the Opposition’s ‘Loktantra Bachao Maharally’ in Delhi’s Ram Lila Maidan said “today one looter is supporting another looter…”

He said :"Congress is supporting those who have looted the country as Congress has also looted throughout their tenure. From the days of Pandit Nehru, the Jeep scam to the Bofors scam; the coal scam to the commonwealth scam and the 2G scam. All these happened while Congress was in power. Today, one looter is supporting another looter..."

Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said the Opposition’s ‘Loktantra Bachao Maharally’ in Delhi’s Ram Lila Maidan is “not to save democracy but to save corruption”.

He said:"... This fight they are fighting is not to save democracy but to save corruption, to save anti-Sanatan voices, to save cut money... This fight is to save these dishonest people who had gathered on the stage together. Most of them are out on bail and accused of serious offences... When Lalu Yadav was arrested in the fodder scam, his wife came forward. Now Arvind Kejriwal's wife has come forward. She comes in front of the camera and reads something... They do not agree on basic things like a leader, or guarantee... For them, the C in democracy stands for corruption, but for us, the 'C' stands for competence, clarity for Viksit Bharat, commitment, and capability...".

Delhi Minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj on Sunday said the graph is going down after the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

He said: “...All the big leaders of Indian politics who are not with the BJP were present at the stage. In one voice they have said to the BJP that the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal is wrong. All those who have knowledge about politics are saying that since the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal which happened on March 21, the graph of BJP is going down. People have their sympathy towards the CM and AAP and this will harm the BJP... Arvind Kejriwal has given the guarantees which Sunita Kejriwal has read, and it's the record that whatever guarantees Arvind Kejriwal makes, he completes it. Today, he has given 6 guarantees and people love it...".

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate on Sunday said BJP is not going to win even 200 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

After attending the INDIA bloc's 'Loktantra Bachao' rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, Shrinate said: "BJP is not going to get even 200 seats (in the Lok Sabha polls). They are frustrated and shocked.”

The jailed AAP leader Sanjay Singh’s wife Anita Singh on Sunday said they have received everyone’s support at the ‘Loktantra Bachao Maharally’ in Delhi’s Ram Lila Maidan.

She said: “We received everyone's support at the rally of INDIA bloc, and going forward too, we will walk unitedly. If he (Sanjay Singh) is in jail, that doesn't mean he is weak”.

AAP leader Sandeep Pathak on Sunday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have to suffer since he has attacked Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Pathak after attending the INDIA bloc's 'Loktantra Bachao' rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan, said:“People who came here today believed that what PM Modi did was not right. PM Modi might have been attacking others, but this time he has attacked Arvind Kejriwal, so he will have to suffer.”

Delhi Minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai on Sunday targeted BJP saying “dictatorship will lose and democracy will win”.

After attending the INDIA bloc's 'Loktantra Bachao Maharally' at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, he said: “BJP might be thinking that if it will arrest (Delhi CM) Arvind Kejriwal before the Lok Sabha elections, then AAP will fall apart, but nothing as such has happened. The way top leaders of the INDIA alliance arrived here today from across the country gave a clear message that dictatorship will lose and democracy will win.”

Bihar Deputy CM and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary on Sunday claimed both former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are “corrupt”.

He said: “Both (ex-Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal) are corrupt and their place is in jail. It’s Modi’s guarantee.”

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday alleged an attempt is being made to rig the upcoming Lok Sabha elections even before they take place.

After attending the Opposition’s ‘Loktantra Bachao Maharally’, she said: “...Unemployment is rising and ED is being misused to suppress the opposition. An attempt is being made to rig the elections even before they take place. People want to save the Constitution, want to save democracy, that is why they have come to this ground in such large numbers...''.

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said Central Government agencies are coming after every Opposition, so that they (BJP) can get a clear field in the upcoming elections.

On INDIA alliance ‘Maha Rally’ against the arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Yadav said: "The kind of dictatorship is happening and undeclared emergency has commenced. The ruling government does not want the opposition to be in the field and their (central government) agencies are coming after every opposition party, so the centre can get a clear field. However, they do not realise that people are the real owners, watching everything...The primary issue is unemployment, inflation and poverty...PM Modi used to talk about giving 2 crore jobs every year, what happened to that?..."