Mumbai: Mumbai transformed into a political battleground on Sunday, just twenty-four hours after the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule, with Rahul Gandhi concluding his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra amidst a face-off between INDIA and the NDA.

The Congress leader's final day was marked by symbolic gestures, beginning at Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi’s erstwhile headquarters in Bombay, and culminating at Chaitya Bhoomi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s cremation site. Although Rahul skipped the Vinayak Damodar Memorial opposite Chaitya Bhoomi, he made a point to visit the Bal Thackeray Memorial, following the BJP's attempt to corner Rahul's ally, Uddhav Thackeray, over the issue.

During the rally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not be able to secure victory in the Lok Sabha elections "without EVMs, ED, CBI, and Income Tax".

"Our battle against Modi isn't personal. Modi is merely a 'mask' for a more significant 'power'. He's a superficial person without a 56-inch chest," asserted Rahul Gandhi, accusing PM Modi of having a "monopoly over corruption". He also suggested that Mumbai's Dharavi could rival Shenzhen, China, as a manufacturing hub if not for governmental obstruction.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing the crowd, contrasted "Modi’s guarantees for the rich" against the INDIA bloc's promises to the common man. He urged the electorate to vote wisely, warning that "another term for Modi could spell the end of democracy in India".

Nationalist Congress Party founder Sharad Pawar drew parallels between the historical 'Quit India' movement led by Mahatma Gandhi from Mumbai and the current call to dislodge the BJP from power.

"The BJP has consistently failed to fulfill its promises. Those who break their commitments should be ousted from power. There's no credibility in Modi’s guarantees," Pawar stated.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin criticized the electoral bonds as the ruling BJP's "white-collar corruption", envisioning an INDIA bloc-led "secular, federal, and inclusive" government.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray emphasized unity over dictatorship, cautioning against the nation being known more for its prime minister than its inherent values. He accused the BJP of aspiring to amend the Constitution through a dominant parliamentary presence.

Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena leader, lauded the Congress for its role in India’s independence and advancements in science and technology, criticizing the BJP's lack of vision for the country. He accused the BJP of orchestrating scams ranging from Rafale to electoral bonds, impoverishing the nation.

Echoing Gandhi's sentiments, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav highlighted the misuse of probe agencies to destabilize governments, emphasizing their ideological battle against hate, not against individuals like Modi or Amit Shah personally.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti pointed out the BJP's fear of the "Gandhi" surname in Rahul Gandhi’s name, alleging their ultimate goal to overhaul the Constitution.

Kalpana Soren, the wife of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, alleged her husband's incarceration was a conspiracy.

(With inputs from PTI, ANI, and other media reports)