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BJP MP Sambit Patra said Rahul Gandhi is ‘used to kaam chori’ and rejected his allegations that people were being stopped from reaching Delhi for the INDIA bloc’s march.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi (Photo: PTI)
BJP MP Sambit Patra on Friday took a swipe at Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, saying he was “used to worthless theft” (shirking work), while responding to the INDIA bloc’s proposed mock Parliament-style ‘public impeachment’ of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Addressing a press conference, Patra criticised the opposition’s protest against the Election Commission and questioned Rahul Gandhi’s allegations that people were being stopped from travelling to Delhi to participate in the INDIA bloc’s ‘Chalo Dilli’ march.
“The fact is he (Rahul Gandhi) is used to worthless theft,” Patra said, taking a dig at the Congress leader.
Rejecting Gandhi’s allegations that the Centre was attempting to prevent people from reaching the national capital, the BJP MP said nobody was being stopped from coming to Delhi.
“No one is being stopped from coming to Delhi. This is all lies which the opposition is spreading,” Patra said.
He also challenged the opposition to substantiate its allegations, asking it to provide evidence of who was allegedly being stopped and how.
“Show us the proof of who and how they are being stopped,” Patra said.
At A Glance
Sambit Patra said Rahul Gandhi was “used to kaam chori”.
Patra rejected allegations that people were being stopped from travelling to Delhi.
He challenged the opposition to provide proof of such restrictions.
His remarks came after Gandhi alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was making efforts to prevent people from reaching Delhi for the opposition’s planned march to Ramlila Maidan on November 1.
INDIA Bloc Postpones ‘Public Impeachment’ Of CEC
The BJP’s response came amid the opposition’s campaign against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The INDIA bloc had planned to hold a mock Parliament-style ‘public impeachment’ of the poll body chief on Friday. However, the programme was postponed to October 31 due to incessant rain in Delhi.
Announcing the decision at a joint press conference outside Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence at 10, Rajaji Marg, Gandhi said the opposition had collectively decided to reschedule the programme.
“By consensus we have decided to postpone today’s programme to tomorrow because of rain. We felt that it would be uncomfortable for seniors to sit in the rain, and we would do the same programme tomorrow,” Gandhi said.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also announced that the programme would take place on October 31 at 2.30 pm.
The ‘public impeachment’ will be followed by the INDIA bloc’s ‘Chalo Dilli’ march to Ramlila Maidan on November 1.
Rahul Gandhi Alleges People Being Stopped From Coming To Delhi
Gandhi alleged that the Home Minister was trying to stop people from reaching the national capital for the opposition’s march.
“Our party people and thousands of common people are being stopped. Now you watch what happens at Ramlila Maidan, you watch how many people come and how many people they stop, and you will understand what is going on in the country,” he alleged.
The Congress leader also claimed that there was widespread anger over what he described as the disenfranchisement of voters and alleged theft of votes.
He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the Election Commission leadership of undermining Indian democracy.
Gandhi maintained that the opposition’s programmes were part of a collective movement rather than separate protests.
“This is not multiple protests. This is one protest. The entire opposition is standing here,” he said, adding that anyone wishing to participate was welcome.
INDIA Bloc Leaders Rally Behind Rahul Gandhi
Several INDIA bloc leaders joined Gandhi at the press conference and reiterated their support for the opposition’s campaign.
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien said the alliance was united in its efforts, adding that civil society members, students, youth, workers and homemakers were also part of the movement.
Representing the Samajwadi Party, MP Dharmendra Yadav alleged that people had realised that the BJP’s electoral victories were the result of manipulation and management. He claimed that EVMs and voter lists were being manipulated.
Yadav also referred to the Uttar Pradesh MLC elections, saying the results had indicated that the BJP was trailing in the state.
Meanwhile, Patra also took a swipe at the opposition over its political preparations in Uttar Pradesh, saying there would be a “family match” in the name of seat allocation when elections approached in the state.
The INDIA bloc’s protest is being organised over allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls and demands for Kumar’s resignation.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The INDIA bloc postponed the mock Parliament-style public impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to incessant rain in Delhi. The program was rescheduled to ensure seniors would not be uncomfortable sitting in the rain.
Ask News18About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
October 30, 2026, 4:40 PM IST
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