New Delhi, Nov 2 (PTI) The Congress on Monday took a swipe at the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over claims that traders would suffer due to the INDIA bloc rally, saying that the “jhansamantri’s” propaganda had been “punctured”, with markets reportedly thriving in Delhi.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared on X a media report which claimed that shops remained open across Delhi and fears that political activities would harm business proved unfounded.
In a post in Hindi on X, Ramesh said, “The BJP’s entire propaganda has been punctured. To discredit the INDIA bloc’s mega-rally and deter people from coming to Delhi, a narrative was spread – falsely claiming that businesses would suffer and markets would have to shut down. It was obvious to anyone that people arriving from across the country would also engage in shopping, ultimately benefiting — directly or indirectly — every business owner in Delhi.”
The motive behind this “false and irrational smear campaign” by the BJP was clear as it wanted to divert the nation’s attention away from the core issues of “vote theft” and the accountability of the Election Commission in order to save Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, as well as to discourage people from attending the rally, he said.
But the exact opposite happened, he said, adding that the people of Delhi, along with those who arrived from across the nation, responded to this “propaganda” in their own way.
“Following an appeal by Rahul Gandhi, people shopped in Delhi’s markets. Shops in the wholesale markets of Old Delhi remained open, and businesses thrived. Furthermore, people made significant purchases from small shopkeepers and street vendors alike. Newspaper reports themselves expose the hollowness of this false narrative,” the Congress leader said.
“A heartfelt thank you to the traders, shopkeepers, and all the citizens of Delhi who heeded this appeal – supporting both the democratic protest and the local economy,” Ramesh said.
The BJP must realise that the voice of democracy cannot be suppressed by fear or propaganda, he asserted.
“The BJP and its ‘jhansamantri’ should understand that the people of the country have been witnessing these tactics for the past 12 years and will no longer fall for their tricks,” Ramesh said.
“The public will safeguard their right to vote, keep businesses running, and demand accountability. Vote chor, gaddi chhod!” Ramesh said.
On Saturday night, Gandhi had urged people coming to the national capital for the INDIA bloc’s march and rally to shop ahead of Diwali and support local traders, asserting that the opposition’s programme will not hurt businesses despite the BJP “spreading rumours”.
The opposition INDIA bloc on Sunday called for the BJP’s ouster from power over the “vote chori” charge, with Gandhi asserting that CEC Gyanesh Kumar will be removed and sent to jail for “treason” in future and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah will not be allowed to escape the law. PTI ASK MNK
MNK
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.