BJP challenges INDIA bloc rally turnout claims

The BJP challenged the INDIA bloc’s turnout claims after its November 1 rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, with spokesperson Sambit Patra alleging the Congress had used misleading photography to exaggerate the crowd. Neither side’s account establishes how many people attended. The INDIA bloc held the gathering as part of its campaign against alleged electoral irregularities and its demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Before the rally, Congress had projected attendance of up to 10 lakh, according to reports. Patra said that figure had not been met and claimed parts of the venue were vacant. His estimate of the crowd was not independently verified. Patra also accused the opposition of using trick photography to create an impression of a larger gathering. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju separately alleged that an image shared by Congress leaders was generated using artificial intelligence. The reports do not establish an independent technical examination of the image. Congress leaders shared photographs and drone footage in support of their account of the turnout. The dispute over attendance accompanied a broader political confrontation over the...