CPIM MP John Brittas Makes Solidarity Visit to Kotdwar After Mob Harassment Incident
In a notable gesture of support, CPIM Rajya Sabha member John Brittas visited the town of Kotdwar in Uttarakhand on Sunday, following a recent incident where a man named Deepak Kumar bravely confronted a mob that was harassing a 70-year-old garment shop owner, Vakeel Ahmed. Sources close to the MP revealed that Brittas, potentially the first parliamentarian to visit the area after the controversy, took concrete steps to back the local heroes.
Supporting Local Businesses and Community Spirit
During his visit, Brittas visited the gym owned by Deepak Kumar, who had identified himself as 'Mohammad Deepak' to the mob during the incident that gained traction on social media. In a show of solidarity, the MP purchased a year's membership at the gym, costing Rs 8,000. Additionally, he visited Vakeel Ahmed's garment shop and bought a saree worth Rs 1,000, directly contributing to the local economy.
Brittas spent time walking around Kotdwar with both Deepak Kumar and Vakeel Ahmed, engaging with residents and fostering community dialogue. He also had tea at a stall owned by Deepak's mother and, in a generous move, paid for everyone's tea at the location. This interaction highlighted his commitment to grassroots engagement and support for those standing against harassment.
Background of the Incident and Broader Context
The visit comes in the wake of a disturbing event where Deepak Kumar intervened to protect Vakeel Ahmed from mob harassment, a situation that had been circulating widely on social media platforms. Brittas's actions underscore a political response to local issues, emphasizing unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
In other news, the Election Commission has been preparing for upcoming Assembly elections in five states, briefing officers set to serve as observers. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar addressed queries from these officials, including concerns about draft electoral roll deletions in West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision, where 58 lakh names were removed in December.
Meanwhile, in governance developments, Union ministers have been instructed to share "good news" at weekly Cabinet meetings. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently highlighted the Rural Audit Portal, a digital platform by the Ministry of Rural Development for internal audits, which has received praise from the Finance Ministry for its innovative approach.
