New Delhi: Congress leaders staged a surprise protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence on Tuesday after gathering at party president Mallikarjun Kharge’s home for what appeared to be his 84th birthday celebration.
According to media reports, senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, first assembled at Kharge’s residence on Rajaji Marg before heading towards the Prime Minister’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. The unannounced move reportedly caught both the media and security personnel by surprise.
The leaders marched towards the high-security area and held a sit-in after being stopped by police a short distance from the Prime Minister’s residence. They raised slogans and demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the police action against opposition protesters during a Parliament march a day earlier, according to media reports.
Sources told media outlets that the Congress had initially planned to protest at Vijay Chowk following the second consecutive day of disruptions in Parliament. However, after concerns that the plan had become known and police deployment had increased, the party reportedly changed its strategy. Only a small group of senior leaders were informed of the revised plan.
According to media reports, the birthday gathering at Kharge’s residence served as the meeting point before leaders moved together towards the Prime Minister’s residence.
The protest comes as the Congress continues to press for a discussion in Parliament on issues including alleged examination paper leaks. The party has also criticised the government’s handling of student-related concerns and has sought greater accountability over recent developments.
