New Delhi, October 29: Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday visited Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi to review preparations for the INDIA bloc’s ‘Vote Bachao Maha Rally’, scheduled to be held on November 1, 2026. The rally is expected to focus on concerns over electoral roll revisions, democratic institutions and the functioning of the Central government.

Ahead of the rally, Jharkhand Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey said citizens must raise their voices against what she alleged were attempts by the BJP government to undermine democracy.

“Given how the BJP government is working to dismantle the nation’s democracy, it has become the responsibility of every citizen to raise their voice against it. Today, under the leadership of the esteemed Bandhu Tirkey and our own leadership, many people from Jharkhand are departing for Delhi,” Tirkey said.

She highlighted the participation of tribal communities and women in the mobilisation, noting that both had played a significant role in struggles for rights and other major national issues.

“The tribal community, in particular, has always been highly conscious of their rights and major national issues; they have consistently played a pivotal role in every struggle. You can see many women here today—women who are always at the forefront of any movement. They, too, are now setting off for Delhi,” she added.

Expressing confidence in the rally’s turnout, Tirkey said the gathering would have a significant impact beyond the venue.

“I am fully confident that this massive public gathering on the 1st—which will resonate not just at Ramlila Maidan, but across all of Delhi—will witness the people of this country making history,” she said.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah said mass organisations representing workers, farmers, women, students and youth had extended their support to the rally. He added that preparations were progressing smoothly.

“All mass organisations, workers, farmers, women, students and youth have extended their support to the rally. Preparations are progressing very well,” Mollah said.

He alleged that the government had initially granted permission for the rally but later reconsidered its position amid concerns over the expected turnout and the issues likely to be raised by the participants.

“The government initially granted permission but later became apprehensive, thinking that a huge crowd would gather and the demands would be raised more forcefully. The government started thinking about stopping the rally. This is nothing but panic and fear,” he said.

Mollah also questioned the government’s stated concerns that the gathering could disrupt business activities. Referring to a BJP event scheduled in Chandni Chowk a day before Chhath, he argued that the government was applying different standards to the two events.

“The BJP is holding an event in Chandni Chowk a day before Chhath, when business activity is at its peak, yet it claims our meeting would disrupt business. People are not fools; they understand that the government is trying to mislead them,” he said.

Accusing the government of acting out of fear, Mollah added that such apprehension would ultimately contribute to its downfall.

“It is acting out of fear, and that fear will ultimately lead to its downfall,” he said.