The conclusion of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's pan-India Nyay Yatra took place in Mumbai on Sunday. The event, which marked the end of the journey, saw a congregation of opposition leaders at Mumbai's Shivaji Park, where they took the opportunity to target the central government, the BJP, and PM Modi. During this gathering, Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of EVMs and also questioned the actions of the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI. While targeting PM Modi, he likened Modi to a mere 'mask, a façade, akin to Bollywood actors playing assigned roles.'
A distinctive feature of the opposition's platform set in Mumbai on Sunday was that every speaker who stepped up to address the crowd brought up EVMs and assured the attendees that if their party comes to power, EVMs would be removed. Leaders including Rahul Gandhi, M.K. Stalin, and Farooq Abdullah discussed this issue.
The Reason Behind the Journey, as Explained by Rahul Gandhi
Starting his address, Rahul Gandhi shed light on the need for the Nyay Yatra. He questioned, 'Why did we have to embark on this journey from Kanyakumari to Kashmir last year? Had anyone told me in 2010 or 2014 that I would have to traverse 4000 km, I couldn't have even imagined it. This journey was a necessity because the communication system of our country is not in the hands of its people. The real issues – unemployment, violence, hatred, the problems of farmers and soldiers, the Agniveer issue – you won't see these reflected in the media. Hence, we had to walk because we had no other choice. It was necessary to capture the country's attention; therefore, the entire opposition and the entirety of India's opposition joined in. Don't labor under the misapprehension that I walked alone. I want you to know that even social media is under control today.
Source: aajtak
'We Aren't Fighting Against Just One Person'
He added, 'We are fighting against the BJP. It is a common misconception that we are just fighting against one political party. That is not the truth. We are not battling a political party. It is crucial for the youth of India to understand this. We are not fighting against one person, the BJP, or Modi. In Hinduism, there is a concept of 'Shakti' (power). We are fighting against a power. The question is, what is this power? Rahul Gandhi claimed that the 'soul of the king' lies within EVMs. It's true; the king's spirit inhabits every institution – ED, CBI, IT. '
'Thousands Were Intimidated'
Rahul Gandhi remarked, 'A senior leader (whose name I would not like to disclose), while leaving the Congress, cried to my mother, saying, 'Sonia Ji, I am ashamed. I do not have the courage to stand up to these powers.' He is not the only one; thousands of people were similarly intimidated. I am referring to a force that has grabbed them by the throat and turned them towards the BJP. I have traveled thousands of kilometers from Kanyakumari to Kashmir; and most recently, 6000 km from Manipur to Maharashtra – what I have seen and heard, I cannot even begin to express. During this journey, he labeled the Agneepath scheme a failure, saying, 'During my 4000 km walk, not a single person said the Agneepath scheme was good. The youth remarked that the places where they once ran to join the army now lay empty.'
Source: aajtak
Modi Is Just a Mask: Rahul Gandhi
He went on to state that, 'Modi is nothing more than a mask, a facade, like the actors of Bollywood who perform roles as directed. Told to rise in the morning and go into the sea, he complies. I must say that he is not a man of a 56-inch chest but rather a hollow individual. When starting this journey, I thought it would begin in Manipur. The same strength has created an environment akin to a civil war in Manipur where brother is pitted against brother. Then I thought the journey should end in Dharavi. This place is a hub of talent.'
'Dharavi Can Compete with Shenzhen'
Suggesting that Dharavi in Mumbai could compete with Shenzhen in China, Rahul Gandhi added, 'Dharavi can contest Shenzhen. Just open the gates of the banks to them. The skills and talents of the youngsters here will outshine China. Products made in Mumbai, made in Dharavi, will defeat Shenzhen. In this country, 22 individuals possess as much wealth as 70% of India's populace. In India, launching an international airport can take years, while here an airport can open in 10 days just for a wedding. Proceed, but also open airports in other states.'
'Modi Can't Win Elections Without EVMs.'
While discussing EVMs, Rahul Gandhi said, 'This country is run by 90 officers. I have seen the system from the inside, which is why Modi fears me. Nothing can be hidden from me. Among those officers are three from backward communities, and three are Dalits. These 90 individuals make policies. This real power is what governs India. Here, someone brought up EVMs. Narendra Modi cannot win elections without EVMs. We urged the Election Commission to demonstrate the machines to the opposition parties. Show us how they operate. We averred that the vote lies not in the machine but on paper. Yet, they do not count the paper votes.'
Source: aajtak
Narendra Modi Has a Monopoly on Corruption: Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi stressed that Narendra Modi has a monopoly on corruption, commenting that today there are four major forms of exaction: 'Give donations, receive business; extortion collecting; take contracts, give bribes; and lastly, shell companies. The highest unemployment rates in 40 years exist now. Mobile phones, shirts, shoes—all of these benefit China and enhance the profits of billionaires and industrialists. Therefore, this government cannot allow Dharavi to progress. When their government first came to power, Arun Jaitley came to me and asked me not to speak on land acquisition issues. I said, 'It's a matter of public concern.' He threatened me with a lawsuit if I did. I said, 'It doesn't bother me.' Officials from the Enforcement Directorate came. The ED officer said, 'Rahul Ji, you don't fear anyone; you can defeat Narendra Modi.'
The Issue of Electoral Bonds and EVMs Raised During the Rally
At the event's conclusion, several other Congress leaders targeted BJP on various issues, with Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin highlighting electoral bonds and Farooq Abdullah bringing up the subject of EVMs.
Electoral Bonds Are BJP's White-Collar Corruption: M.K. Stalin
M.K. Stalin stated, 'Electoral bonds represent BJP's white-collar corruption. I welcome everyone along with my dear friend Rahul Gandhi. I am here to extend my best wishes to my brother Rahul Gandhi. 'An India alliance will emerge. This is for India. India now needs this unity. Fake promotions are issues and agendas, foreign reasons. The Prime Minister has stooped so low to defame the India alliance. Electoral bonds prove BJP's corruption. Now that the election has been announced, our sole target is to defeat the BJP. The BJP is the biggest threat to India. I urge all of you to save India, Vanakkam...'
We Must Save Today's India: Farooq Abdullah
Farooq Abdullah expressed, 'I salute this place which has produced so many fighters.' About Rahul Gandhi, he said, 'He has traveled from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and from Manipur to Mumbai. He has seen the real India. We need to save this India, whether Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, or Christian, all are Indians.' He also spoke about EVMs, saying, 'These people are machine thieves. Please keep an eye on the machine to see where your vote is going or if it is going to someone else.'
Source: aajtak
When our India alliance comes to power, this machine will be gone, and the Election Commission will become independent. There are many challenges ahead. We must save today's India. Today, I want to ask you – what is the price of petrol and diesel? They've reduced it by merely 2 rupees due to the elections. They've decreased the price of gas cylinders because of the elections. Inquire with your sisters and mothers about the prices. Now is the time for us to unite and preserve our constitution.'
