Environmental Protest Takes Political Turn at India Gate
Demonstrators gathered at India Gate in New Delhi to protest against the severe air pollution crisis in the Delhi-NCR region. The protest took an unexpected turn when participants displayed posters featuring slain Maoist leader Madvi Hidma alongside tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
The demonstration occurred on November 23, 2025, drawing attention to the capital's deteriorating air quality. Videos circulating on social media showed a man holding a prominent poster that read: 'From Birsa Munda to Madvi Hidma, the struggle of our forests and environment will go on.'
Police Intervention and Protest Removal
Delhi Police personnel intervened during the protest and removed the demonstrators from India Gate. The official ANI news agency captured the incident, showing the moment when police began dispersing the crowd.
The protest highlighted growing public frustration with Delhi's persistent air pollution problems. By linking environmental concerns with historical and contemporary figures, the protesters aimed to draw broader connections between ecological protection and social justice movements.
Historical Context and Environmental Message
The poster referenced two significant figures from different eras of Indian history. Birsa Munda was a 19th-century tribal freedom fighter who led movements against British colonial policies affecting forest rights. Madvi Hidma was a Maoist commander killed in security operations.
The protest message connected environmental protection with historical struggles over natural resources and land rights. This unusual pairing of figures from different ideological backgrounds underscored the protesters' view of environmental protection as a continuous historical struggle.
Delhi has been grappling with severe air quality issues, particularly during winter months when pollution levels frequently reach hazardous levels. The protest at one of India's most iconic landmarks emphasized the urgency that citizens feel about addressing this public health crisis.
