BJP challenges Rahul Gandhi's claim of curbs on those going to Delhi for protest, demands proof

BJP National Spokesperson and MP Dr. Sambit Patra. File | Photo Credit: SUSHIL KUMAR VERMA Rejecting the claim by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was “trying his best” to stop people from reaching Delhi for the Opposition bloc’s protest march on November 1, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday (October 30, 2026) challenged the Congress leader to produce proof of any such restrictions.At a press briefing, BJP MP Sambit Patra took a dig at the Congress and its allies in the Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) for postponing their proposed mock Parliament, which was scheduled to be held at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday. He claimed that the event could not be conducted due to a lack of organisational capability.Responding to Mr. Gandhi’s allegation that people from various States were being prevented from reaching the rally venue, Mr. Patra said, “Where were people stopped? Who stopped them? At which place were they stopped? And who are the people who were stopped? Show us that evidence. Do not create an atmosphere of lies and confusion in the country in this manner.”Mr. Patra said the INDIA bloc parties belonging to “political dynasties” had come together several times ahead of elections over the past 12 years to “put on a show of holding each other’s hands”, but failed to sustain their alliances. He cited the exit of the Aam Aadmi Party from the bloc.U.P. polls ‘clash’“They keep holding hands while cursing each other in their hearts,” he said, and predicted a “clash” between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party over seat-sharing ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. “Ultimately, when the elections come, because of seat-sharing, they will have a ‘friendly match’ at the last moment. And in the name of a friendly match, everyone will contest the elections,” said Mr. Patra.Referring to the recent elections to the Legislative Council in Uttar Pradesh, he criticised the Samajwadi Party for alleging electoral malpractice in other constituencies while simultaneously celebrating its victories in five seats. “If there has been malpractice, you should not be celebrating. You should file a complaint,” he said.He said the Opposition’s “vote chori” charge had previously been taken up to the Supreme Court and examined several times, and claimed that everything had been clarified. The matter is still before the Supreme Court, he said, adding, “Yet, they are talking about the mock Parliament and calling people to Ramlila Maidan to create disorder... This is what Rahul Gandhi, the Congress party and some Opposition leaders are doing.” Published - October 30, 2026 10:03 pm IST