Rahul Gandhi urges INDIA bloc rally-goers to shop in Delhi and support local traders

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asked people travelling to Delhi for the INDIA bloc march and rally to shop for the festive season. Rahul Gandhi said purchases should support local traders before Diwali. Rahul Gandhi also said the opposition programme would not damage business. Rahul Gandhi claimed the BJP was spreading false talk about losses.

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In a video message posted on X, Rahul Gandhi said lakhs were expected in Delhi on Sunday. Rahul Gandhi said the crowd would march to Ramlila Maidan. The venue is hosting the INDIA bloc rally. The rally is being held over alleged electoral irregularities.

INDIA bloc rally: Rahul Gandhi urges festive shopping

Rahul Gandhi referred to Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj as nearby festivals. Rahul Gandhi asked visitors from across India to support local traders. Rahul Gandhi said shopping alongside protest activity could help small businesses. Rahul Gandhi also said rumours about harm to traders were political.

"It is the festive season. Diwali, Chhath and Bhai Dooj are here. I want the lakhs of people coming to Delhi from different parts of the country to support the local traders,\" Gandhi said.

\"Along with protesting, marching and attending the rally tomorrow, do a little shopping too,\" Gandhi said, adding that it will help the local traders.

\"I know that our rally will not hurt the traders. The BJP is spreading rumours because it is scared,\" he said.

\"But lets do both. Tomorrow, there will be a march, there will be a rally, and lakhs of people will also buy things from the small shops of our local traders. Much love to all of you. Happy Diwali. Jai Hind,\" Gandhi said.

INDIA bloc rally: preparations at Ramlila Maidan

Organisers said arrangements were underway at Ramlila Maidan for the Sunday event. A large tricolour canopy has been set up above the main stage. Separate seating and coordination plans have been made for INDIA bloc party representatives. Leaders and supporters from several states have started arriving in the capital.

The opposition plans a march from Minto Road to Ramlila Maidan. After the march, a rally is expected to follow at the ground. The gathering is projected to include political parties, student groups and civil society organisations. The event is being framed as a show of strength by the alliance.

INDIA bloc rally: demands and wider mobilisation

The rally is linked to claims of electoral irregularities by opposition leaders. The alliance is also demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Mobilisation has extended beyond the alliance parties. The INDIA bloc has urged students, youth, women, workers and civil society members to participate.

Support has also been indicated by groups outside the main alliance list. The Cockroach Janta Party CJP and student bodies have extended support for the demonstration. Organisers expect the mix of supporters to add numbers at the march. The programme is set to combine protest activity with festival-period shopping.

With inputs from PTI