Why Has Rahul Gandhi's B'luru Protest on 'Election Fraud' Been Postponed to August 8?

Bengaluru, Aug 4 (NationPress) The Congress party has decided to delay its protest event, spearheaded by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, to August 8 due to the passing of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren. Initially planned for August 5 at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, the protest has now been rescheduled.

During a press briefing at Freedom Park, Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President D.K. Shivakumar announced the postponement. “The program remains intact; it is merely delayed by three days because of the loss of our esteemed leader and former CM Shibu Soren, who had a longstanding connection with the Congress party. He was a significant figure in our INDIA bloc,” he stated.

The protest is now set for August 8 in Bengaluru. Additionally, a press conference by Rahul Gandhi concerning the alleged election fraud, initially scheduled before the protest, has also been postponed. Shivakumar mentioned that further details regarding the new schedule will be released later.

“Rahul Gandhi will address many issues of national importance,” he remarked.

In response to the BJP's intentions to organize a counter-protest and their criticisms, Shivakumar said, “We have every right to voice our opinions. Whether we are right or wrong is for the public and the Election Commission of India to determine. What does the BJP have to say without knowing the facts? Let them continue their statements; we will not silence them.”

“They are free to comment. However, they must acknowledge that this is a democracy, and this is the voice of the people,” he emphasized.

On the topic of alleged election irregularities, he stated, “We conducted a comprehensive examination of election-related issues. I became aware of these during the Assembly elections. We managed to correct some in various constituencies, but others were beyond our control. On the final day, the voters' list was released, and by the time our candidates identified the discrepancies, it was too late. We took our time. We could have filed an election petition, but we are aware of how that process unfolds – it has its own legal protocols.”

“We will keep the nation informed about what transpired,” he asserted.

Randeep Singh Surjewala, Karnataka Congress in-charge and party General Secretary, added, “The ECI is now synonymous with the ‘Election Capture of India’ – that’s what it has become. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party will not permit that to occur – neither by the pseudo Election Commission nor by any other authority.”