Seeking to turn the public sentiment tide against the ruling establishment’s alleged (mis)use of federal agencies against the Opposition parties, the INDIA bloc leaders recently descended upon the Capital’s Ramlila Maidan. With Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal having followed a clutch of his Cabinet colleagues behind bars in the multi-crore liquor policy scam, the rally was ostensibly to condemn the arrest though the Congress hastily pointed out that it was not person-specific but to defend democracy and the Constitution. The rally, which saw the participation of almost all major Opposition parties, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing discourse surrounding India’s democratic fabric. The biggest takeaway, both in terms of political messaging and ideological propinquity, is that it embodies a collective endeavour to safeguard the foundational values upon which our great nation stands. The party participation in the Rally has been a testament to the widespread concern regarding the state of democracy in the country.

The presence of several Opposition leaders underscored the significance of unity in confronting the challenges posed to India’s democratic ethos. NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI general secretary D Raja, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren were among the first to reach the rally venue. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, AAP leader and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann also joined. Sunita Kejriwal quoted from her jailed husband’s message at the rally to say that “India was in pain and this tyranny will not work”. In the face of evolving challenges, the rally served as a potent reminder that the spirit of democracy endures, resilient and unwavering, in its quest for a more just and equitable society. In his arrest, Kejriwal has made differing viewpoints and opinions converge on a single point: The misuse of Central agencies and the Government’s attempts to cripple and finish the Opposition. With ED arresting a number of Opposition leaders and the freezing of the Congress’ bank accounts, the dictum of a ‘level playing field’ ahead of the elections is seriously jeopardised. Meanwhile, the BJP has taken potshots at the rally, referring to it as an ‘Alibaba and Chaalis Chor (40 thieves)’ meetup. Slamming the Opposition, it stated that it is not a “save democracy” meeting as projected but a “save family” and “hide corruption” rally. It has also pointed out the inherent contradictions in the Opposition’s jamboree of unity. Be that as it may, in essence the Loktantra Bachao Rally transcends the realm of politics to emerge as a rallying point for all those invested in preserving India’s democratic ethos. It reaffirms the timeless dictum that democracy is not merely a system of governance but a cherished ideal worth fighting for, today and for generations to come.