Rahul Gandhi challenges government over Jantar Mantar protest detentions

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday condemned the detention of protest leaders, characterizing peaceful demonstrations as a fundamental democratic right. His statement followed the judicial custody of two activists from the Cockroach Janta Party, who were lodged in Tihar Jail after allegedly violating peace bonds and trespassing at Jantar Mantar.

"Waving the Tricolour at Jantar Mantar in a peaceful protest is not a crime," Gandhi said, describing the detention as "an act of cowardice." He argued that students, youth, journalists, and members of the opposition INDIA bloc were exercising their constitutional rights through their protests.

Gandhi's criticism reflects broader opposition concerns about restrictions on public assembly and protest spaces in the capital. He emphasized that various groups converging at Jantar Mantar shared a common purpose: securing their constitutional rights. "Jantar Mantar belongs to the people of India. We will reclaim it," Gandhi asserted, signaling the opposition's intent to challenge restrictions on the protest site.

The remarks underscore growing tensions between the government and opposition parties over the regulation of political demonstrations in New Delhi. The detention of protest leaders has prompted opposition voices to question the administration's commitment to democratic freedoms and peaceful dissent.