Bengaluru witnessed a robust demonstration on Wednesday as Karnataka Congress leaders gathered at Freedom Park to vehemently protest the First Information Report (FIR) registered against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. The legal action stems from remarks Gandhi made concerning an alleged "purification ritual" conducted at a venue in Uttarakhand, where AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge had recently addressed a public rally.
Spearheaded by KPCC chief B K Hariprasad, the protest saw the presence of Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, senior Congress leader and former CM Siddaramaiah, along with numerous other party functionaries and office-bearers. Participants displayed placards emblazoned with messages such as "Anti-Constitutional BJP," "BJP is a casteist party," and "Politics of vendetta," alleging that the FIR against Gandhi was initiated under pressure from BJP leaders in Uttarakhand.
Addressing the assembled crowd, B K Hariprasad clarified that Gandhi merely questioned the reported "purification" ritual. He asserted that this act constituted an insult to both Kharge and the Dalit community. "Gandhi raised this crucial issue, demanding action under the SC/ST Act, yet an FIR was filed against him instead. We will not be silenced," Hariprasad declared, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP, and Home Minister Amit Shah of a "shameful act" to silence Gandhi's voice. He confirmed that similar demonstrations were unfolding across all districts.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar emphasized that the day's protest transcended Rahul Gandhi's individual case, focusing instead on defending the foundational principles of democracy, equality, and human dignity. "They may file a hundred cases against Gandhi, but they cannot intimidate him. The spirit of struggle runs in his blood," Shivakumar stated, describing Gandhi as a "born fighter" whose family has a generational legacy of sacrifice. He demanded an apology from the BJP, asserting that the purification act insulted the country's social harmony and was not merely a political issue but one concerning equality and societal conscience.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the FIR as a "grave injustice," highlighting that Gandhi had committed no wrongdoing. He described the registration of the FIR as an insult not only to Kharge but also to Gandhi in his capacity as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Shivakumar reiterated the party's belief that the FIR was "false, malicious and politically motivated," expressing complete faith in the judiciary to ensure justice prevails. He affirmed the Congress's unwavering commitment to speaking for the people and upholding democracy and the Constitution.
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📰 Source: Sahil Online