Rahul Gandhi urges people to join November 1 Ramlila Maidan march to 'save democracy, Constitution'

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday urged people to participate in the Congressled INDIA blocrsquos march at Delhirsquos Ramlila Maidan on November 1 describing it as a movement to protect democracy oppose alleged vote theft and defend the ConstitutionIn a video message posted on social media platform X Rahul Gandhi appealed to citizens across political affiliations to join the proposed march saying it was not intended for any single political party but for the countryHello lets go to the Delhi Ramlila March This is a march to save democracy to stop vote theft and to save the Constitution This is not a march for any one political party its a march for the soul of India he saidRahul Gandhi calls for protest against alleged vote theftGandhi appealed to people dissatisfied with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to participate in the marchAll those who are fed up with Narendra Modi Amit Shah and Gyanesh Kumar All those who want to save democracy and protect the Constitution come This is only one protest a protest for the country he saidThe Congress leader has repeatedly raised concerns about alleged irregularities in electoral processes The proposed demonstration is part of the Oppositionrsquos campaign over these allegations which the Congress has described as a threat to democratic institutionsThe allegations remain a political point of contention with the Opposition demanding greater accountability in the electoral processRahul Gandhi tells protesters not to fear police actionGandhi also sought to reassure potential participants about possible police action during the demonstration urging them not to be intimidatedDont worry about the police dont worry about lathicharge the BJP will not have the guts to try any of their antics Come march with us we will walk together to protect the Constitution to protect the Indian nation There is no need to panic he saidThe Congress leader also appealed to student organisations across political affiliations to join the march alleging that democratic freedoms and individual expression were under threatI urge all student groups regardless of your political affiliation if you feel that India is under attack if you feel you are under attack your expression your ideas your way of thinking is under attack come and join us he saidGandhi described the proposed demonstration as a movement for the country and said he looked forward to seeing people participateINDIA bloc plans symbolic proceeding against CECThe appeal comes as the Congressled INDIA bloc prepares for its November 1 rally at Ramlila Maidan as part of its campaign against alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision SIR of electoral rollsThe Opposition has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over its allegations The Election Commissionrsquos role in the electoral process has become a central point of contention between the ruling party and Opposition leadersThe INDIA bloc has also planned a symbolic public impeachment proceeding against Kumar on October 30 After permission to hold the event at Ramlila Maidan was reportedly denied the programme was shifted to Congress president Mallikarjun Khargersquos residence at 10 Rajaji Marg New DelhiWith inputs from IANS