Alka Lamba Confirms Rally in Delhi on November 1, Blames BJP for Traders Losses

New Delhi, October 24 (Daily Kiran) : Congress leader Alka Lamba has confirmed that a major rally organized by the India Block will take place in New Delhi on November 1, despite appeals from traders to postpone it until after Diwali. Lamba asserted that approximately one million people from across the country are expected to attend.

The rally will focus on issues such as alleged voter fraud, the demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and criticisms directed at the BJP, including comments made by actor Naseeruddin Shah. Additionally, Lamba expressed her concern regarding the recent death of a 17-year-old student in Delhi.

Responding to the traders’ request to delay the rally, Lamba noted that individuals affiliated with the BJP had previously attempted to prevent gatherings at Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place. She emphasized that when those efforts failed, the BJP-aligned trade associations began to surface. Many workers typically return home during the festive season, but Lamba encouraged people to come to Delhi on November 1, suggesting that their presence would boost business in hotels, restaurants, and local markets.

Lamba highlighted that traders had already faced significant losses when Delhi was effectively turned into a fortress to suppress protests at Jantar Mantar. During that time, 50 metro stations were closed, rail services were halted, and internet access was cut off, severely impacting online billing and trade. She reassured traders that their businesses would recover due to the influx of visitors on the day of the rally.

The primary goals of the rally include raising awareness about alleged vote theft and the demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Lamba reiterated calls for a return to paper ballots instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs). She claimed that many participants in the rally would be individuals who have faced unjust removal from voter lists, despite being legitimate citizens.

Lamba accused the Prime Minister of attempting to shield Gyanesh Kumar from accountability and asserted that pressure for his resignation is mounting.

On the topic of Naseeruddin Shah’s criticism of the BJP, Lamba stated that his sentiments reflect broader public concerns about the electoral process. She referenced statements from former Chief Justice Nariman and former Election Commissioner Quraishi, which raised alarms about the integrity of the electoral system and voter lists. Lamba emphasized that the rally is gaining widespread support and called for action regarding the issues being raised.

Expressing her deep concern over the tragic death of a 17-year-old student in a school, Lamba noted that the student had allegedly left a three-page note before her death. She questioned the accountability of school officials and what preventive measures were taken to avoid such incidents. Lamba stressed that the principal, staff, and education department must be held responsible. Following the incident, she confirmed that the President of the Women’s Congress and local leaders visited the victim’s family to offer support.