Rahul Gandhi on Protests: 'The Protest Is to Remove Gyanesh Kumar and Then... Remove Mr Prime Minister'
Addressing reporters during ongoing demonstrations, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserted that the nationwide movement operates without a rigid plan, comparing the agitation to Lord Shiva's tandav. When asked about strategy following visits to Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Supreme Court, he stated that the movement requires spontaneous resistance rather than elaborate schemes, citing the Bharat Jodo Yatra where diverse sections of society walked together. He clarified that disparate agitations across India are unified, stating, 'The protest is to remove Gyanesh Kumar and then after that remove Mr Prime Minister.' Gandhi affirmed that his side will support and protect any civil society group defending the Constitution. Regarding communication with the Union government, he noted that intermediaries have approached associates around him, but reiterated that his stance remains transparent and expressed publicly on the streets. He also confirmed that evidence is being compiled to present before the President of India.
Rahul Gandhi: 'Turn Approver', 'Resign' Message to Gyanesh Kumar
Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to "Turn approver. You have done a crime, and frankly, you are not the main, main criminal. You made a mistake." Responding to questions on alleged reach-outs from Kumar, Gandhi advised him to resign, stating that the opposition understands the pressure he faces and is defending the Constitution. Addressing the heavy security deployment and barricading across Delhi, Gandhi asserted that authorities cannot contain the minds of citizens, emphasising that the battle is being fought on perception, psychological, legal, and political fronts. He maintained that the opposition is questioning whether elections were conducted fairly and noted that citizens are not intimidated by the government's actions, calling on institutions to uphold constitutional values.
'Why Is Delhi Jailed?': Rahul Gandhi Slams Centre Over Security Deployment
Addressing a press conference, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the central government over security measures and barricading in the national capital, asking, 'Why is Delhi jailed?' Referring to the 'March for Democracy' movement regarding the Election Commission, Gyanesh Kumar, and alleged vote theft, he stated that resistance has crystallized over the past few days. He alleged that trains and buses are being stopped to prevent people from reaching Delhi, turning the city into a fortress with 20,000 to 30,000 police personnel deployed on the streets. Gandhi claimed this deployment shows that the government led by Narendra Modi is protecting Gyanesh Kumar. He further stated that personnel in the Delhi Police, CRPF, and ITBP are questioning why they are being directed to stop patriotic Indian youths, alleging that while youths face crackdowns, affiliates of the RSS and BJP roam freely. He added that the opposition, public, and security forces stand on one side against a handful of individuals.
FIR Against Aaditya Thackeray, Amit Thackeray Over Unauthorised Mumbai Protest
Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, MNS leader Amit Thackeray, and 24 others following an unauthorised protest at Shivaji Park. The police filed the case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 189(2), 37(1), 37(3), and 135, for holding the stir without police permission and causing inconvenience to the public. Others named include MLA Varun Sardesai, MLA Mahesh Sawant, and Sandeep Deshpande. Notices have been served to the leaders to record their statements.