The Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) staged a solemn demonstration on Monday, voicing strong condemnation over the handling of the Ankita Bhandari murder case. Led by state party president Ajay Rai, Congress workers gathered at the party headquarters in Lucknow for a candlelight vigil.
Congress Stages Silent Protest at Indira Gandhi Statue
The protest was held in front of the statue of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Party members lit candles and offered prayers seeking peace for the soul of Ankita Bhandari, the young hotel receptionist from Uttarakhand who was murdered in 2022. The gathering also observed a one-minute silence as a mark of respect.
Ajay Rai, addressing the media, stated that the shocking case had "shaken Uttarakhand" to its core. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state of failing to deliver timely justice and alleged deliberate inaction in the sensitive matter.
The Ankita Bhandari Case: A National Flashpoint
The murder of Ankita Bhandari quickly escalated into a major political issue across the country. The victim was employed as a receptionist at a resort in Uttarakhand which was owned by the son of a local BJP functionary. This connection fueled allegations from opposition parties, including the Congress, that the ruling party was attempting to shield the perpetrators.
The case triggered widespread public outrage and put the state administration under intense scrutiny. The 2022 incident remains a potent symbol in political discourse, often cited as an example of alleged governance failure and protection of the powerful.
Political Repercussions and Demands for Justice
Monday's vigil in Lucknow is part of a sustained campaign by the Congress to keep the spotlight on the case. The party has consistently targeted the BJP, both at the state and central level, over the issue. The key demands from the opposition include:
- Ensuring a swift and transparent trial.
- Holding all involved, regardless of political links, accountable.
- Criticizing what they call a systemic failure to protect women.
By organizing this vigil, the UP Congress aims to reiterate its commitment to seeking justice for Ankita Bhandari and to highlight its broader charge of "law and order collapse" under BJP rule in neighboring Uttarakhand. The event underscores how the tragic case continues to resonate in Indian politics, serving as a rallying point for the opposition.
