Political temperatures soared in Varanasi on Monday as workers from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress staged separate protests, exchanging accusations over remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the gang rape case of a NEET aspirant in Mahoba.
BJP Protest Against Congress Leaders
Dozens of BJP functionaries gathered at the district headquarters, burning effigies of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Ajay Rai. They accused both leaders of making objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Modi. The protesters demanded a public apology from the Congress leadership, alleging that the party was repeatedly targeting the Prime Minister out of frustration and attempting to mislead the public about the achievements of the BJP governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh.
According to BJP workers, people across the country and the state support development, security, and good governance, while the Congress was trying to vitiate the political atmosphere through controversial statements. The demonstrators later marched to the district magistrate's office and submitted a memorandum demanding strict legal action against Rai.
Tension During the Protest
Tension prevailed briefly when protesters attempted to stop the vehicle of the district magistrate, prompting police personnel to intervene and restrain them. The situation remained tense for a few minutes before normalcy was restored.
Congress Counter-Protest
In response, Congress workers, led by district president Rajeshwar Patel and city chief Raghvendra Chaubey, staged a demonstration at the same venue. They burnt posters carrying images of Prime Minister Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, protesting the gang rape case and alleged police action against Congress supporters. The Congress functionaries also submitted a memorandum to the district administration, seeking the Governor's intervention to ensure justice for the Mahoba girl.
Congress leaders accused the BJP of insulting democratic norms by burning effigies of the Congress leadership. They asserted that the party would not be intimidated by political pressure and that the politics of hatred would be countered by raising people-centric issues. They emphasized that dissent could not be suppressed in a democracy and alleged that the BJP's actions reflected political frustration.
Accusations Against the Government
Congress leaders further accused the government of trying to divert public attention from key issues. They claimed that law and order in the state was deteriorating, crimes against women were increasing, the future of youth was at stake, and common people were suffering due to inflation and unemployment.
The rival protests highlight the escalating political rivalry in Varanasi, a key constituency represented by Prime Minister Modi in the Lok Sabha.
