Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, spearheaded a poignant candlelight march organized by the Congress party on Friday to honor the victims of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack.
The march, which saw participation from senior leaders and party workers, wound its way from the Congress headquarters at 24, Akbar Road, through Lutyens’ Delhi, concluding at Birla House, where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in 1948.
Gandhi was joined by prominent Congress figures, including KC Venugopal, general secretary (Organisation), Ajay Maken, and Delhi Congress leaders. The march, themed “Leave Hatred, Unite India,” aimed to send a powerful message of unity against terrorism. Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav shared images of the event, declaring, “We are united against terrorism, hatred will lose and love will win.”
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Tensions flared as the Delhi Police allegedly disrupted plans to march to Mahatma Gandhi Smriti, prompting sharp criticism from Venugopal. “The state-sponsored disruption of a peaceful candlelight march being taken out for a cause that the entire country is united for is completely unheard of and downright shameful,” he posted on X.
“LOP Sh. Rahul Gandhi ji was taking out a march from AICC to Mahatma Gandhi Smriti, but the Delhi Police objected to it and created complete chaos and confusion at the venue. This conduct of the Delhi Police exposes the BJP’s hollow commitment to ideas of unity and solidarity during crisis.” Delhi Police offered no comment on the allegations at the time of reporting.
The march resonated with participants like Sunita, who voiced frustration with the government’s inaction. “The government hasn’t done anything for the last 10 years. Even today, all they care about is another election in Bihar,” she said.
The Pahalgam attack on Tuesday, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, has sparked nationwide outrage, with the Congress march underscoring a collective resolve to combat hatred and terrorism.
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