Centre trying to prevent people from attending Congress rally: Naresh Chauhan

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s Principal Media Adviser, Naresh Chauhan, has accused the BJP-led central government of using unfair tactics to prevent people from attending the Congress mega rally scheduled for Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on November 1. He said the party aims to mobilize 10,000 to 15,000 people from Himachal Pradesh for the rally, which has been called to raise concerns over democracy and the Constitution.

Addressing the media in Shimla, Chauhan said Congress workers would travel to Delhi in HRTC buses, private buses and smaller vehicles. The party has set a target of mobilizing at least 200 participants from each Assembly constituency. He said transportation and expenses remained major challenges, but initial feedback suggested that more people wanted to attend than the party’s target.

Chauhan said Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc had appealed to people, youth and opposition parties across the country to unite for the November 1 event. He described the rally as a movement to strengthen democracy and constitutional values, not a fight involving any particular political party or individual.

Chauhan Alleges Attempts To Disrupt Rally

Accusing the Center of creating obstacles to the rally, Chauhan alleged that pressure was being exerted at different levels to discourage participation. He claimed police force was used in some places, while transportation arrangements were disrupted elsewhere. He also alleged that people were trying to create fear among traders and the public. However, he expressed confidence that the rally would witness significant participation and remain peaceful.

Hits Back At BJP Over Proposed Padyatra

Responding to the BJP’s proposed padyatra against the Congress and allegations of creating disorder, Chauhan said the BJP was in power and had been given a mandate to serve the people. He maintained that the opposition had the right to raise public issues and hold peaceful protests. He questioned why the BJP criticized opposition demonstrations while organizing its own protests.

Questions BJP Over Election Results And Funding

Reacting to the BJP’s criticism of Congress over MLC election results, Chauhan accused the party of selectively presenting electoral outcomes. He raised concerns about the election process, EVMs, and alleged changes to electoral rolls, claiming the issue of around 13 crore voter deletions had been raised nationally. He also questioned the Election Commission’s impartiality.

Chauhan further questioned the increase in funds in BJP’s bank accounts and sought transparency over the sources of money spent on constructing party offices across the country. He asked the BJP to make details of its electoral funding and assets public.

Seeks Clarity On Chief Election Commissioner

On the opposition’s demand to remove the Chief Election Commissioner, Chauhan asked the Central Government to clarify its position. He questioned why the government was allegedly protecting an individual and not acting on the opposition’s demand, stressing that concerns over the Election Commission’s impartiality needed to be addressed.