BJP Workers Protest Rahul Gandhi in Mumbai Following IYC AI Summit Disruption
In a dramatic political confrontation, BJP workers displayed black flags to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Mumbai on Saturday. This incident occurred in the aftermath of a protest by Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers at the AI Summit in New Delhi, escalating tensions between the two major political parties.
Court Appearance and Security Measures in Bhiwandi
Rahul Gandhi, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, arrived in Mumbai to appear before the Bhiwandi Additional Sessions Court. He is involved in the 2014 RSS defamation case, a long-standing legal matter. Ahead of his court appearance, the local administration in Bhiwandi implemented enhanced security arrangements to ensure order and prevent any untoward incidents.
Video footage from the Mumbai protest captured BJP workers chanting slogans such as "Rahul Gandhi haye haye," reflecting their disapproval. Simultaneously, BJP's Yuva Morcha organized a separate protest against the Congress in New Delhi, highlighting the widespread political unrest.
IYC Protest at AI Summit Leads to Detentions
The chain of events began on Friday when approximately 10 IYC workers were detained by police after they managed to enter the Bharat Mandapam venue of the AI Summit. The protesters had gained access by wearing or holding white T-shirts featuring images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, along with slogans like "India-US Trade Deal" and "PM is compromised." This led to heated exchanges with attendees at the summit.
Officials stated that the detained individuals are being identified, and appropriate legal action is being pursued. The IYC defended their actions, describing the protest as the "voice of millions of angry unemployed youth" and targeting what they called a "compromised" Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They emphasized that their demonstration was not against the AI Summit itself but a statement of their refusal to "sit quietly" any longer.
Political Reactions and Accusations
The "topless" nature of the IYC protest, referring to the minimal attire used, sparked sharp reactions from BJP leaders. They accused the Congress and Rahul Gandhi of orchestrating the disruption, labeling the protest as "topless, brainless and shameless" and alleging it was planned at Rahul Gandhi's residence. These accusations have further fueled the ongoing political rivalry, with both sides trading barbs in the public sphere.
This series of events underscores the heightened political climate in India, marked by protests, legal battles, and intense partisan exchanges. As developments unfold, the focus remains on the implications for national politics and the upcoming legal proceedings involving key figures.
