'INDIA' front unites against Kejriwal's arrest: Opposition with criticism against Modi; Priyanka Gandhi with five demands

NEW DELHI: The 'INDIA' Front's mega rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi protesting against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the ED in the liquor policy case, became a united protest call of the opposition. Lakhs of people including Aam Aadmi Party and Congress workers in Delhi came to the rally. Malayalees and even activists from Jammu and Kashmir came to attend the rally.

The leaders of all the 28 political parties of the alliance rallied. Severe criticism has been raised against Modi and the central agencies. Rahul Gandhi lashed out against Modi. Apart from Kejriwal's wife Sunita, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's wife Kalpana, Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh's wife Anita Singh and resigned Delhi Health Minister Satyender Jain's wife Poonam Jain were also present on the stage. Their husbands are also in jail.

Kejriwal's message was read out by Sunitha, much to the excitement of the activists. Sonia Gandhi's presence was noticeable even though she did not deliver a speech. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's message was read by Tiruchi Siva MP of DMK. Mamata Banerjee, who is in West Bengal, did not come to the rally because of the election campaign. However, Mamata Banerjee made it clear on the stage through the leaders that the Trinamool Congress will always be at the forefront of 'INDIA'.

Two empty chairs in the front row

All party leaders expressed strong protest against the arrest of Kejriwal and Hemant Soren. Two seats in the first row of the stage were left empty to invoke their power in absentia.

Leaders should be freed, Election Commission should intervene

The opposition coalition put forward five demands. These were introduced by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi.

1. Kejriwal and Soren should be released immediately
2. The Election Commission should ensure equal opportunity for all parties
3. The Election Commission should stop the actions of ED, CBI, Income Tax Department etc
4. The move to financially suppress the opposition parties should be stopped
5. A special committee should be formed under the supervision of the Supreme Court to investigate the election bond

"Arvind Kejriwal is a lion and brave. He cannot be jailed for much longer. He lives in the hearts of billions of people

-Sunita Kejriwal

"Modi is doing match fixing in elections. If BJP wins they will rewrite the constitution. This is a crucial election to protect the country and the constitution

-Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader

"There is a new energy in Indian politics. Democracy will win and dictatorship will end.

-Sitaram Yechury, CPM General Secretary