The Congress has directed all its state and district units to hold massive protest marches on Monday evening against the FIR registered against Leader
of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in Uttarakhand. In a letter issued by AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, the party described the FIR as “malicious” and demanded legal action against BJP workers in Uttarakhand, alleging that they were responsible for a casteist “purification ritual” at the venue of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s rally in Haldwani. The Congress said Rahul Gandhi had taken a “bold and resolute stand” by demanding strict action against those involved in the alleged incident. However, instead of acting against the perpetrators, the Uttarakhand Police registered an FIR against Gandhi at Haldwani City Kotwali, the party alleged. Venugopal accused the BJP of “weaponisation of the state machinery” and alleged that the party was targeting the Leader of Opposition for speaking out against caste-based discrimination and atrocities against Dalits. As part of the protest programme, all Pradesh Congress Committees (PCCs) have been instructed to organise massive protest marches at their respective state headquarters, while all District Congress Committees (DCCs) and City Congress Committees (CCCs) have been asked to hold protests at district headquarters on Monday evening. The party has also called for maximum mobilisation across its organisational structure, with PCC office-bearers, DCC leadership, CLP leaders, MPs, MLAs, MLCs, senior leaders, frontal organisations, departments, cells and grassroots workers asked to ensure active and mandatory participation. The AICC Connect Centre and Central Control Room will coordinate directly with PCC leadership to monitor and track the execution of the protest programme. The Congress has termed the programme “MOST URGENT”, saying the protests should send a message that the party “will not be intimidated” and will continue to fight for social justice, constitutional equality and the dignity of every citizen.
