The Congress party held a ‘Save Democracy Satyagraha’ in Shimla, protesting against the BJP-led central government. The protest highlighted alleged attacks on democratic institutions, electoral process issues, exam paper leaks, and unfulfilled farmer promises.
The Congress on Tuesday organised ‘Save Democracy Satyagraha’ at the Ridge in Shimla, holding a peaceful protest in front of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, alleging that democratic institutions in the country are under attack. The protest was led by Sunil Panwar, President of the All India Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Organisation, and was attended by Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) office-bearers, leaders of the party’s frontal organisations and departments, district functionaries, and party workers.
Protest Against Weakening Democratic Institutions
Talking with ANI during the protest, Panwar alleged that democratic institutions in the country were being weakened under the BJP-led Central government. “Today, the democratic institutions of the country are not functioning with the independence they should have. We have gathered at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Shimla to hold a Satyagraha to press for protecting democratic institutions, democratic freedoms and the Constitution drafted by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar,” he said.
He said the nationwide campaign aims to defend constitutional values and democratic rights through peaceful protests inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. [{024604a6-7aa9-44fe-856d-50971b35ede1:intradmin/ANI-20260630101254.jpg}]
Concerns Raised Over Electoral Rolls, Exams, and Farming
Referring to allegations made by the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, Panwar claimed that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was depriving millions of citizens of their voting rights. “Crores of people are being deprived of their right to vote through the Special Intensive Revision process. Universal adult franchise, envisioned by Dr BR Ambedkar after Independence, is under threat,” he alleged.
The Congress leader also raised concerns over repeated examination paper leak cases, alleging that they were jeopardising the future of students. “The NEET examination paper was leaked. Recently, there was also an HPSC paper leak. Such incidents are damaging the future of students who deserve fair opportunities in education and employment,” he said.
Panwar further criticised the Centre over farmers’ issues, alleging that promises made regarding the implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) had not been fulfilled. He also claimed that farmers’ interests were being compromised in the context of international trade negotiations, alleging that agricultural concerns were being overlooked.
Nationwide Agitation to Continue
Highlighting the purpose of the nationwide campaign, Panwar said the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayati Raj Organisation had launched similar Satyagrahas across several states after its members were allegedly detained during a protest in Delhi. “After our protest at Jantar Mantar and our march towards the Election Commission of India, many of our workers were detained by the police. We then resolved to organise Satyagrahas across the country. Himachal Pradesh is the eighth state where this is being held,” he said.
Panwar asserted that the Congress would continue its agitation both on the streets and inside legislatures until, according to him, democratic values are safeguarded. “We will continue this movement across the country. Our leaders will raise these issues both on the streets and inside Parliament and the state legislatures,” he added.
Congress leaders reiterated their commitment to continue nationwide demonstrations on issues related to democracy, the Constitution, electoral processes, farmers’ concerns and youth employment. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)