Opposition Parties Stage Sit-In Protest Outside Uttar Pradesh Assembly Complex
Ahead of the crucial joint sitting of the Uttar Pradesh legislature on Monday, opposition parties led by the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress organized a significant sit-in demonstration outside the assembly complex. The protest was strategically aimed at the ruling BJP government, with a sharp focus on pressing issues such as rising inflation, widespread unemployment, and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Coordinated Opposition Action and Key Allegations
Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from various opposition parties gathered near the Vidhan Bhavan, holding placards and raising slogans to voice their dissent. They collectively accused the government of overlooking public concerns and weakening democratic processes. This demonstration notably highlighted the growing coordination among parties of the INDIA bloc within the state, showcasing a united front against the administration.
SP legislators were particularly vocal, alleging that the ruling dispensation's policies are having a detrimental impact on PDA communities—which include backward classes, Dalits, and minorities. They claimed that the rights of these groups are being systematically undermined through governance and electoral decisions. According to the protesters, welfare measures and administrative actions are not being implemented in a fair and inclusive manner, exacerbating social inequalities.
Focus on Electoral Roll Irregularities and Broader Issues
Congress Legislature Party leader Aradhana Mishra Mona directed her criticism specifically at the SIR exercise, pointing to a lack of transparency and warning that it could potentially infringe upon voters' rights. In statements to reporters, she emphasized that the opposition has united to oppose what they describe as anti-people policies. During the protest, a range of critical issues were brought to the forefront, including:
- Farmers' distress and agricultural challenges
- Rising youth unemployment and economic instability
- Worsening law and order conditions across the state
- Persistent inflation affecting daily life
- Erosion of constitutional safeguards and democratic norms
Historical and Cultural Concerns Raised
The demonstration also featured SP legislator Sachin Yadav, who highlighted demolition activities near Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi. Holding a portrait of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, he alleged that recent actions demonstrate a disregard for her historical role in developing the ghats of the city nearly three centuries ago. This point underscored broader concerns about cultural preservation and respect for heritage under the current governance.
Overall, the sit-in protest served as a powerful platform for the opposition to articulate their grievances and demand accountability from the BJP government, setting the stage for heightened political discourse in Uttar Pradesh.
