Shashi Tharoor Condemns Rahul Gandhi's Detention During Protest
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expresses outrage over the detention of Rahul Gandhi and other leaders during a protest against alleged voter disenfranchisement.
Shashi Tharoor criticized the government's response to the protest as 'disgraceful'.
Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders were detained during a march towards the Election Commission.
The protest aimed to highlight concerns over the disenfranchisement of 130 million voters.
On Tuesday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor voiced his disapproval regarding the detention of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, by Delhi Police during a protest march organized by the INDIA bloc. The protest aimed to draw attention to the alleged disenfranchisement of 130 million voters, with Gandhi being forcibly removed from the Akashvani Bhavan premises where the sit-in was held.
Tharoor expressed his horror at the images depicting Gandhi being manhandled, stating that such actions against opposition leaders are unacceptable in a democratic society. He emphasized the importance of standing up for citizens whose constitutional rights are being violated, particularly in light of the current political climate in India.
The Delhi Police justified their actions by stating that the protestors had entered the premises without permission and had refused to leave, despite repeated warnings. Approximately 260 individuals, including ten MPs, were detained as part of the police's efforts to maintain order. Gandhi and other leaders were later taken to New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp, and subsequently released.
The protest was part of a larger campaign by the opposition, termed “Save Democracy,” which seeks to address concerns regarding the Election Commission's recent actions, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. This exercise has faced criticism from opposition parties, particularly regarding changes to voter registration forms and the transparency of the electoral process.
Looking ahead, the opposition plans to continue its campaign against perceived injustices in the electoral process, with further protests likely as they seek to engage the public and garner support for their cause. The developments surrounding the protest and the Election Commission are expected to remain a focal point in Indian politics as the country approaches upcoming elections.
