Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai criticized the state government for erecting pointed barricades near the Vidhan Sabha ahead of the party’s planned protest, likening them to those used during the farmers’ protests at the Ghazipur border.
“No One Can Stop Congress Workers”
Rai expressed determination to hold the government accountable, despite alleged attempts to suppress the Congress workers’ protest.
“No one will be able to stop our party workers—they are Rahul Gandhi’s workers. We will do the ‘gherao’ of Vidhan Sabha. The state government has destroyed the entire state, and we will hold them accountable,” Rai said.
He accused the state government of committing atrocities against party workers, including seizing their vehicles.
“They are seizing our workers’ vehicles and harassing them. But when we come to power, we will withdraw all such cases against them,” he added.
Allegations of Threat to Protesters’ Safety
Rai raised concerns over pointed barricades installed near the protest site, calling them dangerous.
“There are pointed spears here. These could seriously hurt our workers. This is the first time something like this is happening. This government wants to kill our workers, just as they tried to stop farmers at the Ghazipur border,” he said.
He praised the resilience of Congress workers, particularly women, who he described as “lionesses,” and asserted that they would march fearlessly to protest against the government.
Criticism of the Government’s Performance
Ajay Rai accused the state government of failing the people, highlighting issues faced by farmers, women, and the general population.
“Farmers are suffering, women are crying out for justice, and this government has ruined the entire state. Today, we will make them kneel and demand answers,” Rai declared.
Commitment to Gandhian Protest
Despite his sharp criticism, Rai emphasized that Congress workers would follow a peaceful, Gandhian approach to the protest.
“This government is inhumane and oppressive, but we are Gandhian people. We will oppose this government peacefully and continue our movement despite the atrocities being committed against us,” he said.
Rai assured that all cases filed against Congress workers would be withdrawn if his party comes to power.
Tight Security Measures
Ahead of the Congress protest, police placed barricades outside the party headquarters in Lucknow. The barricades, reportedly equipped with pointed spikes, have drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, adding tension to the planned protest against the state government.