VHP questions timing of INDIA bloc rally amid Diwali, recalls Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra break

NEW DELHI: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Saturday questioned the INDIA bloc’s decision to hold a rally on November 1 amid Diwali festivities, saying political parties should not ignore festivals, social harmony and the country’s economy in the name of politics.VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal pointed to a nine-day break during Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, from December 25, 2022, to January 2, 2023, for Christmas and New Year celebrations. He questioned why the Opposition had not considered similar appeals to postpone its November 1 rally.In a post on X, Bansal said traders’ organisations in Delhi and members of the Hindu community had repeatedly urged the INDIA bloc to cancel or defer the rally, citing the possibility of disruptions to Diwali celebrations and losses to businesses dependent on the festival. He alleged that their appeals had been ignored.

The remarks came ahead of the INDIA bloc’s planned rally at Ramlila Maidan over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls, with the Opposition demanding the resignation of chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The programme, initially scheduled for Friday, was postponed to Saturday due to rain in the national capital.The bloc has also announced a “public impeachment” of the CEC.Taking aim at it, the VHP spokesperson asked whether the leader of opposition and other political parties would fulfil their democratic responsibilities instead of engaging in what he called “mock politics” through mock impeachments and mock parliaments.