On Friday, opposition’s bulwark the India bloc showcased a loud protest at Jantar Mantar to save democracy and against the suspension of 146 MPs from both the houses of Parliament during the winter session and gave a clarion call to masses to come together to save democracy in India.The protest orchestrated by Indian national Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) was participated by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi leaders of Left parties, NCP, NC, DMK, JMM, TMC, RJD and other members of the coalition front.
Rahul Gandhi holds Modi government accountable for parliament security breaching, further, he said that suspension of these MPs exhibits Modi government’s weakness in suppressing/silencing voices and Kharge attacked Rajya Sabha Chairperson Dhankar for not allowing him to speak in the house. Congress slams Modi government’s activities in pertaining to providing employment to the youths which leaded security breach to raise their demands by entering Parliament house illegally.
The aim of INDIA bloc is to remove hate sown by BJP across country. Kharge added Dhankar is not being fair as a chairperson of Rajya Sabha for not permitting a dalit person to speak in the house. For him Modi government divided India on the grounds of caste and religion therefore, INDIA bloc necessitates a movement against BJP for its discriminatory practices against Dalits, women, tribals, labourers and farmers.
What do supporters have to say?
Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Manoj Jha endorsed the protest for preventing erosion of democracy. He blamed Modi government for ruining ‘mother of democracy’. Suspension of 146 MPs clearly shows a decline of democracy in India.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitram Yechury accused Modi government for sacking democracy as MPs are the representative of crores of Indians. Indian constitution bestows sovereignty upon people and Modi government is playing with the constitution by suspending representatives of people.
DMK Rajya Sabha floor leader Tiruchi Siva blamed government for affecting federal fabrication of India. Besides suspension of MPs, Modi government is also mishandling federal structure of India by appointing their selected governor in particular state.
Communist Party of India general secretary D. Raja claimed parliament of India is turning into an obsolete house due to Modi government’s anti-democratic attitude.
Addressing the gathering of large protest at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, Kharge stated that the INDIA bloc is collectively representing a united front for neutralising threats posed by BJP, thereby safeguarding democracy from collapse.They emphasised upon the entitlement ‘freedom of speech and expression enshrined in the constitution of India advocated by our forefathers Mahatma Gandhi, BR Ambedkar and JL Nehru which unlikely seems to be faded away because of rhetoric actions taken by Modi government. Opposition leaders challenged BJP for thwarting their voices but they will continue their vehement protest by using instruments of public forum and stages. Under single umbrella opposition pledged to raise fundamental demands of the general masses alongside MPs suspension.
Furthermore, Congress chief highlighted Modi government tactics to pass crucial laws without having constructive debates in the parliament. This reflects an intolerant behaviour towards the pillar of democracy. So such mentality should be replaced by progressive elements. Opposition is endeavouring to bring back democracy to India which is imperative for healthy functions inside and outside parliament house.Opposition firmly asserted that united protest under the banner of INDIA is the beacon light for India to move ahead.
