As part of a nationwide protest program, Tripura Pradesh Congress staged a ‘maun-satyagraha’ (silent protest) in the Gandhighat area of the capital city, expressing their discontent over the disqualification of party leader Rahul Gandhi from Parliament following his conviction in the Modi surname defamation case.
Prominent leaders of the Pradesh Congress, including Pradesh Congress President Asish Kumar Saha, Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, former Chief Minister Samir Ranjan Barman, Szarita Laitphlang, and several others, participated in the protest demonstration.
In a symbolic gesture, the leaders and activists wore black bands on their mouths to signify the curtailment of freedom of speech under the BJP-led central government.
Placards displaying a photograph of Rahul Gandhi with the message “Daro Mat, The Fight for Truth Shall Continue” were prominently showcased during the satyagraha.
Addressing the reporters, Pradesh Congress President Asish Kumar Saha criticized the BJP-led central government for infringing upon the rights of the common people guaranteed by the Constitution.
Saha stated, “The Modi-led central government has been attacking democracy since its establishment. People have lost their right to speak. Anyone who raises their voice against the wrongdoings of the Modi government is subjected to harassment or labeled as terrorists.”
He added, “Expelling Rahul Gandhi from Parliament is nothing but a conspiracy by the BJP-led government.”
Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman expressed concern over the state of democracy, emphasizing that the questions raised by Rahul Gandhi in Parliament were in the interest of the common people. He stressed that the opposition always has the right to voice its concerns.
“Rahul Gandhi sought answers about bank frauds worth Rs 98,952 crore in the past 5 years alone. Why has the Modi government waived loans worth Rs 10,00,000 crore in 5 years? Instead of answering the questions, the House disqualified Rahul Gandhi to cover up their own faults,” Roy Barman added.
Congress workers are engaged in a silent satyagraha to protest against the oppressive attitude of the government, Roy Barman stated.
Former Chief Minister Samir Ranjan Barman, speaking to the reporters, claimed that people were being discouraged from joining Congress’ protest programs.
“Many people have expressed solidarity with the protest and its cause but are afraid to participate openly as they have been warned of dire consequences by the ruling party,” Barman remarked.
The Congress leaders also criticized the Gujarat High Court’s decision in Rahul Gandhi’s case, which upheld his suspension from Parliament for six years.
