News Analysis India

Tag: Protest

  • ‘Modi government has 2 brothers — unemployment and inflation’, says Congress 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday took a dig at the Centre on the issue of price rise, saying unemployment and inflation were “two brothers” of the Modi government.

    Ahead of Sunday’s ‘Mehngai par halla bol’ rally of the party at the Ramlila Maidan here, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the rally was not being held to canvas for the 2024 polls, but to highlight the two “biggest challenges” of inflation and unemployment to the people.

    “We had protested against this even on August 5. About 70 MPs were detained, including Rahul Gandhi. People from 12-13 states are coming and we want to send an effective message to the insensitive Modi government that people are suffering from this back-breaking inflation and unemployment and solutions should be found for them,” Ramesh said.

    Asked about Ghulam Nabi Azad’s rally in Jammu on Sunday, Ramesh said he would speak about the Congress rally, not that of the BJP.

    On BJP’s allegation that the Congress was trying to divert people’s attention from the issue of corruption, Ramesh said the party has been protesting against rising prices for over a year.

    ALSO READ | At ‘Mehngai par halla bol’ protest rally, Congress workers demand Rahul Gandhi as chief

    “A rally was held in Jaipur. About 70 MPs were detained from Vijay Chowk. We have raised these issues inside and outside Parliament. We have held protests in various states. This rally is part of that series of protests.”

    “On September 7, we will begin the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ which too will have the economic disparity as the biggest issue,” Ramesh said.

    “Modi government has two brothers- unemployment and inflation. Modi government has two brothers- ED and CBI,” the Congress leader went on to say.

    Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and a host of party leaders are slated to address the rally.

    Party workers from Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, and other parts of the country, are converging for the event.

    The rally comes ahead of the opposition party’s 3,500-km ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ which will traverse the length of the country from Kanyakumari to Kashmir starting on September 7.

    Congress has said the rally’s aim is to highlight the issues of price hikes and unemployment and to promote communal harmony in the country.

    The party said its workers will continue to raise these issues as a responsible opposition and will take to the streets to fight for the cause of the common people.

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday took a dig at the Centre on the issue of price rise, saying unemployment and inflation were “two brothers” of the Modi government.

    Ahead of Sunday’s ‘Mehngai par halla bol’ rally of the party at the Ramlila Maidan here, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the rally was not being held to canvas for the 2024 polls, but to highlight the two “biggest challenges” of inflation and unemployment to the people.

    “We had protested against this even on August 5. About 70 MPs were detained, including Rahul Gandhi. People from 12-13 states are coming and we want to send an effective message to the insensitive Modi government that people are suffering from this back-breaking inflation and unemployment and solutions should be found for them,” Ramesh said.

    Asked about Ghulam Nabi Azad’s rally in Jammu on Sunday, Ramesh said he would speak about the Congress rally, not that of the BJP.

    On BJP’s allegation that the Congress was trying to divert people’s attention from the issue of corruption, Ramesh said the party has been protesting against rising prices for over a year.

    ALSO READ | At ‘Mehngai par halla bol’ protest rally, Congress workers demand Rahul Gandhi as chief

    “A rally was held in Jaipur. About 70 MPs were detained from Vijay Chowk. We have raised these issues inside and outside Parliament. We have held protests in various states. This rally is part of that series of protests.”

    “On September 7, we will begin the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ which too will have the economic disparity as the biggest issue,” Ramesh said.

    “Modi government has two brothers- unemployment and inflation. Modi government has two brothers- ED and CBI,” the Congress leader went on to say.

    Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and a host of party leaders are slated to address the rally.

    Party workers from Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, and other parts of the country, are converging for the event.

    The rally comes ahead of the opposition party’s 3,500-km ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ which will traverse the length of the country from Kanyakumari to Kashmir starting on September 7.

    Congress has said the rally’s aim is to highlight the issues of price hikes and unemployment and to promote communal harmony in the country.

    The party said its workers will continue to raise these issues as a responsible opposition and will take to the streets to fight for the cause of the common people.

  • BJP stages protests across Delhi over excise policy ‘scam’

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Delhi unit of the BJP on Thursday held protests across the city over the alleged liquor scam by the Arvind Kejriwal government, burning effigies of AAP leaders and charging them with trying to divert people’s attention from the issue.

    Participating in a protest at R K Ashram, Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta asked what was Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal waiting for before sacking Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, an accused in the liquor scam, and minister Satyendar Jain who was in jail in a money laundering case.

    “Kejriwal had once said that those who indulge in corruption are traitors of the country but now he has no answers for the corruption in his government’s excise policy,” Gupta said.

    “The BJP is asking why liquor manufacturers were allowed in retail trade, black-listed companies were given licences and fees worth crores of rupees were waived,” he said.

    Union minister Meenakashi Lekhi at a protest in C R Park attacked the Kejriwal government, saying it was busy minting money instead of helping the people of Delhi.

    East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir took a dig at Kejriwal over his charge that the BJP was trying to poach AAP MLAs.

    “Kejriwal ji whether you were also offered the post of Prime Minister in 2024 by the BJP,” Gambhir said in a tweet.

    केजरीवाल जी, कहीं 2024 के लिए प्रधानमंत्री पद का भी ऑफर तो नहीं दे दिया आपको भाजपा ने?

    NEW DELHI: The Delhi unit of the BJP on Thursday held protests across the city over the alleged liquor scam by the Arvind Kejriwal government, burning effigies of AAP leaders and charging them with trying to divert people’s attention from the issue.

    Participating in a protest at R K Ashram, Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta asked what was Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal waiting for before sacking Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, an accused in the liquor scam, and minister Satyendar Jain who was in jail in a money laundering case.

    “Kejriwal had once said that those who indulge in corruption are traitors of the country but now he has no answers for the corruption in his government’s excise policy,” Gupta said.

    “The BJP is asking why liquor manufacturers were allowed in retail trade, black-listed companies were given licences and fees worth crores of rupees were waived,” he said.

    Union minister Meenakashi Lekhi at a protest in C R Park attacked the Kejriwal government, saying it was busy minting money instead of helping the people of Delhi.

    East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir took a dig at Kejriwal over his charge that the BJP was trying to poach AAP MLAs.

    “Kejriwal ji whether you were also offered the post of Prime Minister in 2024 by the BJP,” Gambhir said in a tweet.

    केजरीवाल जी, कहीं 2024 के लिए प्रधानमंत्री पद का भी ऑफर तो नहीं दे दिया आपको भाजपा ने?

  • Jantar Mantar protest: Farmers charm the lot with traditional attire, emotional connect 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Among the hundreds of farmers who began their demonstration at the Jantar Mantar over a slew of issues, 64-year-old Sriaj Kodyuriv from Kerala garnered the most attention with his ‘Adivasi’ attire Kodyuriv reached Delhi on Monday after covering a three-day train journey from Kerala.

    For several hours, he stood at Jantar Mantar holding placards that read Implement MSP, Save farmer’.

    “Farmers are closest to nature. If they abandon their farm equipment, we won’t be getting any food. I am here for this,” Kodyuriv said.

    Asked why he chose the ‘Adivasi’ attire, he said: “This is to send a message that the farmers and tribal people deserve their rights.

    “Jantar Mantar buzzed with voices of dissent on Monday as farmers from all over the country gathered here demanding a law ensuring minimum support price for crops, farm loan waiver, and sacking of Union Minister Ajay Mishra.

    Ajay Mishra is the father of Ashish Mishra, an accused in a case related to mowing down four farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh during a farmer protest last October.

    Farmers, hundreds in number, launched their protest amid heavy security arrangements in a ‘mahapanchayat’ called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) at Jantar Mantar.

    They waved flags, wore caps with the name of their farm organisations inscribed on them, and raised slogans for farmer unity and against the Centre accusing it of not coming good on its promises.

    Farmers protested at the Gazipur border in New Delhi.Express video | @parveennegi1. pic.twitter.com/3WRQltgFuQ
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) August 22, 2022
    Magha Nibori, a farmer from Punjab with one acre of farmland which he cultivates with seasonal crops, said he came here fully prepared to stay put, if required.

    Many travelled thousands of kilometres to take part in the mahapanchayat.

    “I am here from Cochin. Around 250 people have come from Kerala and nearby states to urge PM Modi to agree to our demands regarding MSP law, and other issues. We want India to withdraw from the WTO. Ajay Mishra should resign,” said Paulsen, a 50-year-old farmer from Cochin, Kerala.

    Many farmers registered their protests in their own unique ways.

    One of them came wearing a garland of garlic, while another, a woman, wore a saree with tricolours.

    “The government made a promise but now they are not doing anything. There is no concrete action taken by the government. If we can raise a person to power. We can also bring him down. The government should understand this,” Kavita, clad in tricolour print saree, said.

    As farmers associated with different unions reached Delhi, police obstructed their way to the protest site erecting deep layers of barricades across entry points of the city, and checked every vehicle entering the national capital, causing huge traffic jams.

    Besides the borders, Ghazipur, Singhu and Tikri, key stretches on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, the Palam flyover, Aurobindo Marg, Ring Road (near Indraprastha Park), the Ghaziabad-Wazirabad road, and the Munirka road, and several other stretches, witnessed traffic snarls.

    Other than north India, farmers from states such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha and Kerala arrived in Delhi to take part in the ‘mahapanchayat.’

    NEW DELHI: Among the hundreds of farmers who began their demonstration at the Jantar Mantar over a slew of issues, 64-year-old Sriaj Kodyuriv from Kerala garnered the most attention with his ‘Adivasi’ attire Kodyuriv reached Delhi on Monday after covering a three-day train journey from Kerala.

    For several hours, he stood at Jantar Mantar holding placards that read Implement MSP, Save farmer’.

    “Farmers are closest to nature. If they abandon their farm equipment, we won’t be getting any food. I am here for this,” Kodyuriv said.

    Asked why he chose the ‘Adivasi’ attire, he said: “This is to send a message that the farmers and tribal people deserve their rights.

    “Jantar Mantar buzzed with voices of dissent on Monday as farmers from all over the country gathered here demanding a law ensuring minimum support price for crops, farm loan waiver, and sacking of Union Minister Ajay Mishra.

    Ajay Mishra is the father of Ashish Mishra, an accused in a case related to mowing down four farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh during a farmer protest last October.

    Farmers, hundreds in number, launched their protest amid heavy security arrangements in a ‘mahapanchayat’ called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) at Jantar Mantar.

    They waved flags, wore caps with the name of their farm organisations inscribed on them, and raised slogans for farmer unity and against the Centre accusing it of not coming good on its promises.

    Farmers protested at the Gazipur border in New Delhi.
    Express video | @parveennegi1. pic.twitter.com/3WRQltgFuQ
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) August 22, 2022
    Magha Nibori, a farmer from Punjab with one acre of farmland which he cultivates with seasonal crops, said he came here fully prepared to stay put, if required.

    Many travelled thousands of kilometres to take part in the mahapanchayat.

    “I am here from Cochin. Around 250 people have come from Kerala and nearby states to urge PM Modi to agree to our demands regarding MSP law, and other issues. We want India to withdraw from the WTO. Ajay Mishra should resign,” said Paulsen, a 50-year-old farmer from Cochin, Kerala.

    Many farmers registered their protests in their own unique ways.

    One of them came wearing a garland of garlic, while another, a woman, wore a saree with tricolours.

    “The government made a promise but now they are not doing anything. There is no concrete action taken by the government. If we can raise a person to power. We can also bring him down. The government should understand this,” Kavita, clad in tricolour print saree, said.

    As farmers associated with different unions reached Delhi, police obstructed their way to the protest site erecting deep layers of barricades across entry points of the city, and checked every vehicle entering the national capital, causing huge traffic jams.

    Besides the borders, Ghazipur, Singhu and Tikri, key stretches on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, the Palam flyover, Aurobindo Marg, Ring Road (near Indraprastha Park), the Ghaziabad-Wazirabad road, and the Munirka road, and several other stretches, witnessed traffic snarls.

    Other than north India, farmers from states such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha and Kerala arrived in Delhi to take part in the ‘mahapanchayat.’

  • Opposition protests continue, site of protest moves to entrance of Parliament

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Opposition has chosen the entrance to the Parliament as its new protest site as it wants to remind Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the promise he made when he entered the House for the first time in 2014, its leaders said Thursday.

    The protests against the suspension of Opposition MPs started on Wednesday under the sky near the Gandhi statue.

    “We want to remind Modi of the promise he made when he arrived on the first day. That is the place where he touched his forehead on the stairs. Also, since there was no tent, because of the rain, we had to move the agitation somewhere. This place was symbolic,” said a leader.

    The entrance to the Parliament has now been chosen as the site of the Opposition protest as it is both strategic as well as practical.

    Braving mosquitoes and the heat, five suspended MPs, including CPI’s Santosh Kumar and AAP’s Sanjay Singh, spent the night near the Gandhi statue in Parliament complex.

    TMC’s Dola Sen and Santanu Sen were present at the site till post midnight.

    With authorities not granting permission for a tent, the five MPs slept under the sky as a protest against the suspension of 24 of their fellow parliamentarians, 20 from Rajya Sabha and four Congress members from Lok Sabha.

    “Due to heavy rain,50hr dharna has moved from Gandhi statue to #Parliament main entrance. 29hrs down. 21hrs to go. Oppn MPs still at Dharna demanding Govt to revoke suspension of (now) 27 MPs & discuss #PriceRise #GST,” tweeted TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien.

    On Thursday morning, TMC MP Mausam Noor who brought tea for the MPs said that the Opposition MPs will not apologise and the protests will continue.

    The MPs were provided lunch of idli by the DMK while the TMC served them fish fry, dinner will be served by TRS, sources said.

    AAP has been asked to supply liquids to the MPs through the protest — juice, lassi and water have been made available in abundance to ensure that they don’t suffer from dehydration.

    The TMC which served tandoori chicken for dinner on Tuesday generated a controversy with BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala objecting to non-vegetarian food being served in front of the Gandhi statue.

    “As per media reports, some suspended MPs protesting in front of the Gandhi Statue in Parliament consumed tandoori chicken. Everyone knows Gandhi ji had staunch views on the slaughter of animals. Many people are asking if this was a protest or a farce and a picnic,” Poonawala said.

    TMC leader Sushmita Dev hit back at Poonawala saying that the BJP was scared of the Opposition solidarity.

    “Behind closed doors people and leaders of RSS eat everything behind closed doors. So, don’t make a comment on our food. They can’t tolerate that the food is being brought not from our home, but by other MPs. They are scared of this solidarity,” Dev told reporters.

    Another senior opposition leader, who did not want to be named said that the comment showed the BJP’s intolerance. “While some have roti at lunch, we have fish curry and rice or chicken. What is wrong with that? We have the right to eat what we want,” he said.

    The protesting MPs also thanked the office of secretary general of the Rajya Sabha which provided two ambulances, a doctor on call, two driver to ferry the MPs and maintenance staff to keep the protest site clean.

    The MPs however, brought their own linen and mattresses.

    O’ Brien even brought Odomos mosquito repellant creams for them. “Small gestures went a long way and showed a camaraderie among the MPs. Each party was ready to contribute in any way they could and this spirit shows a united front,” said an opposition leader.

    Sources, however, say that the Congress MPs who arrived last night spent a few hours at the site. AAP MP Singh also composed a parody of a popular yesteryear’s song which loosely translates to him imagining “a world without Modi and Shah, where people get food and children get milk.” The opposition has demanded a discussion on price rise in both Houses of Parliament.

    NEW DELHI: The Opposition has chosen the entrance to the Parliament as its new protest site as it wants to remind Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the promise he made when he entered the House for the first time in 2014, its leaders said Thursday.

    The protests against the suspension of Opposition MPs started on Wednesday under the sky near the Gandhi statue.

    “We want to remind Modi of the promise he made when he arrived on the first day. That is the place where he touched his forehead on the stairs. Also, since there was no tent, because of the rain, we had to move the agitation somewhere. This place was symbolic,” said a leader.

    The entrance to the Parliament has now been chosen as the site of the Opposition protest as it is both strategic as well as practical.

    Braving mosquitoes and the heat, five suspended MPs, including CPI’s Santosh Kumar and AAP’s Sanjay Singh, spent the night near the Gandhi statue in Parliament complex.

    TMC’s Dola Sen and Santanu Sen were present at the site till post midnight.

    With authorities not granting permission for a tent, the five MPs slept under the sky as a protest against the suspension of 24 of their fellow parliamentarians, 20 from Rajya Sabha and four Congress members from Lok Sabha.

    “Due to heavy rain,50hr dharna has moved from Gandhi statue to #Parliament main entrance. 29hrs down. 21hrs to go. Oppn MPs still at Dharna demanding Govt to revoke suspension of (now) 27 MPs & discuss #PriceRise #GST,” tweeted TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien.

    On Thursday morning, TMC MP Mausam Noor who brought tea for the MPs said that the Opposition MPs will not apologise and the protests will continue.

    The MPs were provided lunch of idli by the DMK while the TMC served them fish fry, dinner will be served by TRS, sources said.

    AAP has been asked to supply liquids to the MPs through the protest — juice, lassi and water have been made available in abundance to ensure that they don’t suffer from dehydration.

    The TMC which served tandoori chicken for dinner on Tuesday generated a controversy with BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala objecting to non-vegetarian food being served in front of the Gandhi statue.

    “As per media reports, some suspended MPs protesting in front of the Gandhi Statue in Parliament consumed tandoori chicken. Everyone knows Gandhi ji had staunch views on the slaughter of animals. Many people are asking if this was a protest or a farce and a picnic,” Poonawala said.

    TMC leader Sushmita Dev hit back at Poonawala saying that the BJP was scared of the Opposition solidarity.

    “Behind closed doors people and leaders of RSS eat everything behind closed doors. So, don’t make a comment on our food. They can’t tolerate that the food is being brought not from our home, but by other MPs. They are scared of this solidarity,” Dev told reporters.

    Another senior opposition leader, who did not want to be named said that the comment showed the BJP’s intolerance. “While some have roti at lunch, we have fish curry and rice or chicken. What is wrong with that? We have the right to eat what we want,” he said.

    The protesting MPs also thanked the office of secretary general of the Rajya Sabha which provided two ambulances, a doctor on call, two driver to ferry the MPs and maintenance staff to keep the protest site clean.

    The MPs however, brought their own linen and mattresses.

    O’ Brien even brought Odomos mosquito repellant creams for them. “Small gestures went a long way and showed a camaraderie among the MPs. Each party was ready to contribute in any way they could and this spirit shows a united front,” said an opposition leader.

    Sources, however, say that the Congress MPs who arrived last night spent a few hours at the site. AAP MP Singh also composed a parody of a popular yesteryear’s song which loosely translates to him imagining “a world without Modi and Shah, where people get food and children get milk.” The opposition has demanded a discussion on price rise in both Houses of Parliament.

  • 20 suspended Rajya Sabha MPs begin 50-hour relay protest; 4 Cong LS members join later

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Twenty suspended Rajya Sabha members Wednesday started a 50-hour relay protest inside the Parliament complex, with sources saying the Opposition declined the Chairman’s offer that they express regret over their members’ behaviour in the House to get the suspension revoked.

    They were later joined by four Congress MPs who have also been suspended from Lok Sabha for remainder of the Monsoon session.

    The Rajya Sabha MPs are holding the protest near the Gandhi statue and will stay at the site through night, Trinamool Congress’ Dola Sen, who is one of the suspended members, said earlier in the day.

    The 20 MPs, suspended over Monday and Tuesday, include seven from the TMC, six from the DMK, three from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), two from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and one each from the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

    The Nationalist Congress Party and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha who have no members suspended will also join the protests, sources said.

    “Question: What were Opposition MPs demanding Answer: A discussion on #PriceRise #GST hurting millions of people Action : Dictatorial @narendramodi govt suspends 24 MPs from #Parliament Next few days 24x 7 dharna at Gandhi statue. Peaceful satyagraha will always WIN,” tweeted TMC’s Rajya Sabha member Derek O’Brien.

    While the Congress and other Opposition parties were protesting at different venues in the morning, by the evening, it seemed they had come together on the issue of price rise.

    Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh visited the site of the protests and said his party will be part of the day-night dharna organised by the other Opposition parties.

    “Congress, DMK, TMC, CPM & AAP MPs from both Houses on 50 hour continous dharna by turns in Parliament precincts. They are protesting their suspension for demanding URGENT debate on price rise and GST on food items,” he tweeted later at night.

    “There’s a 170% increase in suspension of MPs under Modi govt compared to UPA. 24 MPs suspended this Monsoon session alone!” he said.

    “We are fighting the Modi-Shah onslaught on democracy and it’s clear that the Modi regime will be seen as a black spot in Indian history. All four Lok Sabha MPs are standing in solidarity with RS MP and are sitting in batches,” said Manickam Tagore, one of the four Congress MPs suspended from Lok Sabha.

    The CPI, whose one member has been suspended, said in a statement the suspension is an assault on the basic rights of freedom of expression of members of Parliament.

    “The suspension of 4 opposition MPs of the Lok Sabha and 20 MPs of the the opposition in the Rajya Sabha including two MPs of the CPI(M) on successive days is a serious blow to the democratic functioning of Parliament.

    “It is the Modi government that has been stubbornly refusing to accept any motion moved by the opposition under the Rules for a structured discussion on the burning problems being faced by the people, destroying their lives, like price rise, unemployment etc.”

    Opposition sources also said feelers from the “other side” has indicated that there is a view within the government that suspending 19 opposition MPs at one go in Rajya Sabha was a wrong strategic move and should have been avoided.

    In fact, in the morning, Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu met leaders of the Opposition parties in RS and an offer was made to them that if they express regret over their behaviour in the House, another resolution will be brought to revoke the suspensions, the sources said.

    However, none of the leaders acquiesced, saying instead that the government should express regret over the decision of not discussing price rise.

    With the suspension of the MPs in RS concluding on Friday, a discussion on price rise will be taken up after that.

    Sources in the Opposition also said a detailed plan of action has been drawn out for the dharna and a roster of duties created which is being circulated on a dedicated WhatsApp group.

    While on Wednesday, idli-sambhar breakfast was organised by DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, lunch with curd rice was arranged by the DMK. Dinner will be roti, daal, paneer and chicken tandoori courtesy the TMC.

    On Thursday, the DMK would be in charge of breakfast, the TRS of lunch and the AAP will arrange dinner.

    Sources said the parties have taken upon themselves to appoint leaders to take turns of one to two hours to sit at the site in support of those who have been suspended.

    In fact parties such as the NCP and JMM who have no members suspended will also join the protests, sources said.

    The leaders, however, will have to sleep under the sky, with their request of a tent being denied by the authorities, as no structures can be built, even temporarily inside the premises. The protesting MPs can, however, use the toilet in the bathroom of the Parliament library.

    NEW DELHI: Twenty suspended Rajya Sabha members Wednesday started a 50-hour relay protest inside the Parliament complex, with sources saying the Opposition declined the Chairman’s offer that they express regret over their members’ behaviour in the House to get the suspension revoked.

    They were later joined by four Congress MPs who have also been suspended from Lok Sabha for remainder of the Monsoon session.

    The Rajya Sabha MPs are holding the protest near the Gandhi statue and will stay at the site through night, Trinamool Congress’ Dola Sen, who is one of the suspended members, said earlier in the day.

    The 20 MPs, suspended over Monday and Tuesday, include seven from the TMC, six from the DMK, three from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), two from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and one each from the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

    The Nationalist Congress Party and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha who have no members suspended will also join the protests, sources said.

    “Question: What were Opposition MPs demanding Answer: A discussion on #PriceRise #GST hurting millions of people Action : Dictatorial @narendramodi govt suspends 24 MPs from #Parliament Next few days 24x 7 dharna at Gandhi statue. Peaceful satyagraha will always WIN,” tweeted TMC’s Rajya Sabha member Derek O’Brien.

    While the Congress and other Opposition parties were protesting at different venues in the morning, by the evening, it seemed they had come together on the issue of price rise.

    Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh visited the site of the protests and said his party will be part of the day-night dharna organised by the other Opposition parties.

    “Congress, DMK, TMC, CPM & AAP MPs from both Houses on 50 hour continous dharna by turns in Parliament precincts. They are protesting their suspension for demanding URGENT debate on price rise and GST on food items,” he tweeted later at night.

    “There’s a 170% increase in suspension of MPs under Modi govt compared to UPA. 24 MPs suspended this Monsoon session alone!” he said.

    “We are fighting the Modi-Shah onslaught on democracy and it’s clear that the Modi regime will be seen as a black spot in Indian history. All four Lok Sabha MPs are standing in solidarity with RS MP and are sitting in batches,” said Manickam Tagore, one of the four Congress MPs suspended from Lok Sabha.

    The CPI, whose one member has been suspended, said in a statement the suspension is an assault on the basic rights of freedom of expression of members of Parliament.

    “The suspension of 4 opposition MPs of the Lok Sabha and 20 MPs of the the opposition in the Rajya Sabha including two MPs of the CPI(M) on successive days is a serious blow to the democratic functioning of Parliament.

    “It is the Modi government that has been stubbornly refusing to accept any motion moved by the opposition under the Rules for a structured discussion on the burning problems being faced by the people, destroying their lives, like price rise, unemployment etc.”

    Opposition sources also said feelers from the “other side” has indicated that there is a view within the government that suspending 19 opposition MPs at one go in Rajya Sabha was a wrong strategic move and should have been avoided.

    In fact, in the morning, Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu met leaders of the Opposition parties in RS and an offer was made to them that if they express regret over their behaviour in the House, another resolution will be brought to revoke the suspensions, the sources said.

    However, none of the leaders acquiesced, saying instead that the government should express regret over the decision of not discussing price rise.

    With the suspension of the MPs in RS concluding on Friday, a discussion on price rise will be taken up after that.

    Sources in the Opposition also said a detailed plan of action has been drawn out for the dharna and a roster of duties created which is being circulated on a dedicated WhatsApp group.

    While on Wednesday, idli-sambhar breakfast was organised by DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, lunch with curd rice was arranged by the DMK. Dinner will be roti, daal, paneer and chicken tandoori courtesy the TMC.

    On Thursday, the DMK would be in charge of breakfast, the TRS of lunch and the AAP will arrange dinner.

    Sources said the parties have taken upon themselves to appoint leaders to take turns of one to two hours to sit at the site in support of those who have been suspended.

    In fact parties such as the NCP and JMM who have no members suspended will also join the protests, sources said.

    The leaders, however, will have to sleep under the sky, with their request of a tent being denied by the authorities, as no structures can be built, even temporarily inside the premises. The protesting MPs can, however, use the toilet in the bathroom of the Parliament library.

  • Delhi BJP protests against AAP govt’s excise policy, demands Sisodia’s resignation

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Delhi BJP leaders and workers on Monday staged a demonstration near the Aam Aadmi Party office here over alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Arvind Kejriwal government’s excise policy.

    The protesters assembled near the ITO crossing and tried to march towards the AAP’s DDU Marg office but were stopped by police. Those who jumped the barricades put up by the police were detained, BJP leaders said.

    The Excise Policy 2021-22 of the Delhi government has come under the scanner with Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena recommending a CBI probe into alleged violation of rules and procedural lapses in its implementation.

    Demanding action against Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the excise portfolio, the protesters claimed that there was a “scam” in the implementation of the policy.

    “We have come here to protest and demand the sacking of Sisodia, as well as another minister of Kejriwal government Satyendar Jain, who is currently in jail in a money laundering case,” said Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta.

    For the first time in history, a minister has been jailed but is yet to be removed from the government, and this shows the “shamelessness” of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, he said.

    Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, BJP state general secretaries Kuljeet Chahal and Dinesh Pratap Singh, party vice president Ashok Goel Devraha and many other leaders took part in the demonstration.

    Bidhuri claimed that the Kejriwal government pushed the youth of the city towards alcoholism by increasing the number of liquor stores to 849.

    NEW DELHI: Delhi BJP leaders and workers on Monday staged a demonstration near the Aam Aadmi Party office here over alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Arvind Kejriwal government’s excise policy.

    The protesters assembled near the ITO crossing and tried to march towards the AAP’s DDU Marg office but were stopped by police. Those who jumped the barricades put up by the police were detained, BJP leaders said.

    The Excise Policy 2021-22 of the Delhi government has come under the scanner with Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena recommending a CBI probe into alleged violation of rules and procedural lapses in its implementation.

    Demanding action against Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the excise portfolio, the protesters claimed that there was a “scam” in the implementation of the policy.

    “We have come here to protest and demand the sacking of Sisodia, as well as another minister of Kejriwal government Satyendar Jain, who is currently in jail in a money laundering case,” said Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta.

    For the first time in history, a minister has been jailed but is yet to be removed from the government, and this shows the “shamelessness” of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, he said.

    Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, BJP state general secretaries Kuljeet Chahal and Dinesh Pratap Singh, party vice president Ashok Goel Devraha and many other leaders took part in the demonstration.

    Bidhuri claimed that the Kejriwal government pushed the youth of the city towards alcoholism by increasing the number of liquor stores to 849.

  • What if unemployed youths after 4 years form gang of criminals?: Chhattisgarh CM on Agnipath row

    Express News Service

    RAIPUR: Amid the ongoing ‘Agnipath’ row, the Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel questioned the Centre’s intention on rolling out the scheme for short-term recruitment of personnel in the army and said that it was playing not just with the future of youths but also the security of the country.

    “After four years the youths in 23-24 years of age trained in weapons will return and fail to find any employment then they might indulge in criminal activities forming a gang. Many had earlier speculated on who gave the training to the Maoists? Why new short-term instead of regular full-time recruitment of soldiers for the army? Such a directionless decision should be immediately withdrawn’” said the chief minister and further added that the youths join the Armed Forces with a resolve to serve the nation.

    He further criticised the BJP-ruled states that had declared to offer preference to be given to ‘Agniveers’ who are de-inducted into police recruitment and related services.  “Army and police are two differently aimed professions. An army man knows only two things—friend and foe but the police usually engage with maintaining law and order and are not related with the former’s approach,” Baghel added.

    ALSO READ | All you need to know about Army recruitment scheme that has India on the boil

    However, the opposition BJP strongly objected to the views of the CM. “It is unfortunate that the head of the state gave out such a statement and attempted to link it with the Maoists. He should first get the facts straight,” said Dharamlal Kaushik, the leader of the Opposition.

    Calling Baghel’s remark a figment of his imagination, the state BJP president Vishnu Deo Sai said, “The youths are joining the army and not the Congress party”.

    On Saturday, besides the 10 per cent reservation and upper-age relaxation for Agniveers in Central Armed Police Forces, Assam Rifles recruitment, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also declared a 10 per cent quota in defence ministry positions.

  • Several trains cancelled or diverted at Secunderabad Railway Station amid violent protests

    By Express News Service

    HYDERABAD: In the light of violent protest that broke out at Secunderabad Railway Station on Friday morning against the Central government’s ‘Agnipath’ scheme for recruitment in the armed forces, several trains which were to arrive and depart from Secunderabad Railway Station have been either cancelled or diverted to other railway stations like Kacheguda, Nampally and Begumpet railway station.

    Every day, the Secunderabad  Railway Station carries three lakh passengers.  Nearly 300 trains arrive and depart from Secunderabad.

    Over half a dozen trains which were stationed at Secunderabad and ready to depart have either been burnt and damaged by the protestors, protestors resorted to stone-pelting by picking stones from the railway tracks which were easily available and damaged glass panes of few trains. Several stalls and canteens were damaged by the protestors.

    SCR officials told Express that several trains which were to arrive at Secunderabad have been diverted to other railway stations as precautionary measures. Many trains which were scheduled to depart have been either cancelled or will run late till the situation normalises.

    ALSO READ | Agnipath protests in Telangana: Angry mob set trains on fire, ransack stations

    The damages to the railway stations and properties is being assessed and will be known in the evening. Passengers who came to the station to catch the trains ran away from the stations to save their lives. Women passengers with children bore the brunt as they were caught in the violent incident by the mob and ran for safety.   

    ALSO READ | Protest over Agnipath scheme escalates in Bihar, four trains set ablaze

    Due to agitation at Secunderabad Railway Station, certain train services were cancelled or diverted on Friday.

    Hyderabad – Shalimar, Umdanagar – Secunderabad, Secunderabad – Umdanagar, Umdanagar – Secunderabad, Secunderabad – Umdanagar, Umdanagar – Secunderabad were cancelled.

    Secunderabad – Repalle is partially cancelled and will originate from Cherlapalli on city outskirts.

    Shirdi Sai Nagar –  Kakinada Port is diverted at Sanathnagar, Ammuguda, Cherlapalli while   Bhubaneswar – Mumbai CST  is diverted at Cherlapally, Ammuguda, Sanathnagar.

  • Rahul Gandhi quizzed by ED for 2.5 hours, to return for questioning after lunch break 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday in a money laundering probe linked to the National Herald newspaper after the MP reached the agency’s headquarters here accompanied by a battery of party leaders and supporters.

    After his questioning for about two-and-a-half hours, he was allowed to leave for lunch around 2:10 pm, they said.

    ALSO READ | Congress takes out march, many leaders detained as Rahul appears before ED in money laundering case

    Gandhi, 51, is expected to join the questioning again and resume the recording of his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

    The money laundering probe pertains to alleged financial irregularities in the party-promoted Young Indian that owns the National Herald newspaper.

  • Women protesters storm Cannes premiere of ‘Holy Spider’ with smoke devices

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: A group of feminist protesters staged a dramatic scene at the Cannes Film Festival, releasing smoke from handheld devices and displaying a long banner for the global press at the premiere of Iranian film, ‘Holy Spider’.According to ‘Variety’, at the premiere of director Ali Abbasi’s female-centred thriller, roughly 12 women in formal wear gathered on the famed stairs of the Palais with raised fists, filling the space with thick black smoke and holding a scroll with a list of 129 women’s names. The list, according to the group, highlights “129 feminicides in France since the last Cannes festival”.Feminicide is the intentional killing of women because they are female, reports ‘Variety’. Security seemed unfazed by the event, allowing the protesters to be filmed and photographed. One insider close to the production said the protest was not a coordinated stunt to promote the film, about a journalist who travels to the Iranian holy city of Mashhad to investigate a serial killer murdering sex workers.According to the website Challenges, the protest was instead tied to the documentary ‘Riposte’ screening in Cannes on Sunday, which is about feminist activists.

    ALSO READ | Iranian film ‘Holy Spider’ stuns Cannes by showing nudity, sex strangling scenesThe protest happened before the cast and filmmakers of ‘Holy Spider’ arrived, said the source, who added that the caravan of vehicles carrying talent was stopped briefly on the Boulevard de la Croisette before arriving at the top of the red carpet.The film is based on the grim true story of serial killer Saeed Hanaei, who believed he was on a holy mission to cleanse the streets of sin, according to the film’s synopsis. Abbasi wrote the script with Afshin Kamran Bahrami. The film stars Zar Amir Ebrahimi and Mehdi Bajestani. This is the second feminist protest the Cannes Film Festival has seen so far.On May 20, an activist attending the world premiere of George Miller’s ‘3,000 Years of Longing’ staged a protest against purported sexual violence from Russian forces against the women of Ukraine.