Today, Ranchi is set to witness a monumental rally of the India Block, with leaders from 14 parties participating. Named the 'Ulgulan Justice Grand Rally,' Ulgulan signifies 'great rebellion,' an initiative started by Birsa Munda for the rights of water, forest, and land. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is spearheading the rally preparations, hoping to attract millions to Ranchi before the first polls on May 13th.
The Prabhat Tara field will see a grand assembly at 2 PM, graced by the presence of top opposition leaders such as RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Congress President Mallikarjun Khadge, and NCP Leader Farooq Abdullah.
In addition, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, along with Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita, AAP's Sanjay Singh, TMC's Derek O'Brien, Shivsena (UBT)'s Priyanka Chaturvedi, and CPI(ML)'s Dipankar Bhattacharya will participate. Rahul Gandhi, who was expected to attend, will be absent due to ill health.
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Central Government to be the Target at the Rally
Jharkhand's Chief Minister Champai Soren and the imprisoned former Chief Minister Hemant Soren's wife Kalpana Soren will be key speakers. The opposition alleges the central government is oppressing the state's tribal and indigenous populations, stripping them of their rights to water, forest, and land. Abuse of federal agencies against opposition-ruled states and smearing their leaders with fabricated charges is expected to be a prime narrative.
JMM Legislator Distances from Rally
Before the grand rally of the India Coalition in Ranchi, discontent has emerged from a legislator from the ruling party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. JMM legislator Lobin Hembrom has declared his non-participation, expressing dissatisfaction with the party's coalition herding and advocating for solo electoral battles.
BJP Reaches out to Election Commission
BJP has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against the rally, accusing it of flagrant violation of the model code of conduct. BJP alleges open flaunting of flags, banners, posters/hoardings pertaining to the rally by INDIA alliances which goes against the election guidelines. A BJP delegation in Jharkhand has conjoined with the EC.
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BJP State President and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi has launched a vehement attack on the India Alliance, labeling the gathering in Ranchi as anti-national, anti-Sanatan, anti-Jharkhand, and anti-development. He claimed it includes personnel involved in the sale and procurement of Jharkhand's sovereignty.