Congress Protest Live: Rahul, Priyanka Among Other Leaders Released After 6 Hrs
Catch all live updates of Congress' nationwide protest against inflation and unemployment.
Congress protests live updates.
(Photo: The Quint)
Several Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were released from detention after around six hours on Friday, 5 August.
The leaders had been taken to the Kingsway Camp Police Station by the Delhi Police as they marched to the the Rashtrapati Bhavan to protest against unemployment, inflation and price rise.
Other leaders, including Harish Rawat, P Chidambaram, and Deepender Hooda, had also been detained.
Gandhi earlier slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the central government over price rise. Addressing the media, Gandhi said that there is an "onset of dictatorship in India" and that the RSS is now "controlling all independent institutions."
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, wearing black clothes, with party MPs during a protest march towards Rashtrapati Bhawan as part of party's nationwide protest over price rise, unemployment and GST hike on essential items.
(Photo: Accessed by The Quint)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: Accessed by The Quint)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra trying to climb a barricade amid protests against the Centre.
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
(Photo: PTI)
Police personnel use water cannons to disperse Congress workers during their protest in Chandigarh.
Several Congress MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, wore black to the Parliament as a mark of protest
Congress MPs from both the Houses met at 10 am at Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Office
Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed in the New Delhi district, barring Jantar Mantar
The Delhi Police said, "Protest/dharna/gherao in the area of New Delhi district on 5 August cannot be permitted in view of security, law and order, traffic reasons"
Speaking on the ED's probe after the agency sealed the office of Young Indian at the National Herald office, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Thursday that it was an intimidation attempt by the Narendra Modi-led government
Congress Leaders Released After 6 Hours in Detention
Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were released from the Kingsway Camp Police Station after spending six hours in detention.
'335 Protesters, Including 65 Cong MPs Detained': Delhi Police
The Delhi Police said that a total of 335 protesters, including 65 Congress MPs, were detained by them amid protests on Friday.
The police added that despite repeated warnings that Section 144 was in place, Congress leaders and workers still undertook their protest.
"When the police moved in to contain the situation, the protesters tried to obstruct the police officers from performing their duties, manhandled and injured them. Appropriate legal action is being taken into the matter," Special Commissioner of Police Sagar Preet Hooda said in a statement.
'Thousands' of Maharashtra Cong Workers Detained
Several Maharashtra Congress workers were detained by the police in Mumbai ahead of their planned agitation against the Centre
The party claimed that thousands of its workers were detained across the city on Friday.
Youth Congress Protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar
Members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a demonstration against inflation and GST at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
Cong Workers Stopped from Marching to UP Raj Bhawan
Congress workers were stopped by the police while they were marching to the Uttar Pradesh Raj Bhawan.
The police had put up barricades along the route to stop party workers from going forward.
Modi ji Handed Over Nation's Wealth to His 'Friends': Priyanka
"Modi ji has handed over the wealth of the country to his friends," said Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra amid massive protests across the country.
"There is never an investigation against the PM's friends," she said, adding, "Everything has become more expensive, including dal, curd, and gas cylinders, but the PM and his friends refuse to see it."
Cong Workers Take to the Streets in J&K
Congress workers launched a massive protest in Jammu and Kashmir against the Narendra Modi government. This comes on the same day Article 370 was abrogated three years ago.
Cong Workers Come Close to PM's Residence, Detained by Police
Several Congress workers were detained by the Delhi Police after getting "close" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence.
Water Cannon Used on Cong Workers in Chandigarh
A water cannon was used by police personnel in Chandigarh to disperse Congress leaders and workers protesting against the BJP government.
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring is among the leaders protesting in Chandigarh.
'This Battle Will Continue': Congress
Congress posted photos of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi detained at Kingsway Camp Police Station and said in a tweet, "The dictatorial government is afraid of these spirits - this battle will continue."
‘PM Modi Has Handed Over Assets of Country to His Friends’: Priyanka Gandhi
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "They (BJP) think Opposition can be muzzled. As their ministers can't see inflation, we want to show them inflation by marching towards PM house...PM Modi has handed over the assets of country to his friends."
‘Why Is Congress Scared of Investigating Agencies?’: Anurag Thakur
Union Minister Anurag Thakur said, "Why is Congress scared of investigating agencies? What are they hiding? Putting pressure on these agencies is not fair. They are only doing their work. Sonia ji and Rahul ji please don't play such games, the country wants to know the truth that you are hiding."
Congress Protests in Chhattisgarh
The ruling Congress in Chhattisgarh on Friday staged protests across the state against the BJP-led central government over the issues of inflation, unemployment, the Agnipath scheme and GST imposed on essential commodities.
In capital Raipur, the protest is being held at Ambedkar chowk where Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, state Congress chief Mohan Markam and other senior leaders were present, said Dhananjay Singh Thakur, party's state spokesperson.
Hitting out at the Centre, Mohan Markam said that the inflation in the country has reached to a record level and common people are bearing the brunt of rising prices.
Accusing the Narendra Modi government of failing to create employment opportunities, Markam said, "The controversial, poorly-conceived and hastily-crafted Agnipath scheme, which carries many risks, has not only destroyed the long-standing traditions and ethos of the armed forces, but also crushed the aspirations of lakhs of unemployed youth."
Rahul Gandhi Taken to Kingsway Camp Police Station
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was taken to the Kingsway Camp police station in Delhi after being detained
LoP Kharge, Jairam Ramesh & Ranjeet Ranjan Detained
Congress MPs Mallikarjun Kharge, Jairam Ramesh, Harish Rawat, Ranjeet Ranjan, P Chidambaram, and Deepender Hooda were detained by the police and taken to the Kingsway Camp police station in Delhi.
(Photo: Congress)
Priyanka Gandhi Detained Amid Protests
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi was detained by the Delhi Police from outside the AICC headquarters.
'MP Manhandled and Dragged': Congress
Congress posted a video of MP Jothimani being detained in Delhi. They said in a tweet, "MP @jothims ji manhandled and dragged by Police. Our fight is for the people of India. Drag us, attack us, arrest us. Do everything in your power to pull us down, we only grow stronger."
'Govt Destroying Future of Youth': MP Deependra Hooda
Congress MP Deepender Hooda said after being detained, "The government is destroying the future of the youth of the country. We want to protest peacefully but you can see how MPs are being detained."
Priyanka Gandhi Sits in Protest Outside AICC HQ
Priyanka Gandhi sat on the road outside the Congress headquarters in Delhi to protest against price rise and inflation.
Rahul Gandhi Detained by Delhi Police
Rahul Gandhi was detained by the Delhi Police on Friday, 5 August, as he marched to the the Rashtrapati Bhavan to protest against unemployment, inflation and price rise.
"Our job is to raise the issues of the people. Some Congress MPs have been detained, and also beaten by police," Gandhi was earlier quoted as saying.
Rahul Gandhi Protests Outside Parliament House
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi protests outside Parliament House wearing black.
Police Stops Protesters from Marching to Rashtrapati Bhavan
Congress MP Rajeev Shukla said that protesters are not being allowed to march to Rashtrapati Bhavan
"We were trying to march to Rashtrapati Bhavan but the police has stopped us. They say that Section 144 CrPC is imposed and they are not allowing us to protest. All MPs will offer themselves for arrest. We are trying to march ahead. We are fighting for the issues of people," he said, as quoted by ANI.
'Modi Government Scared of Rahul Gandhi': Protesters
Congress workers protesting against price rise and inflation said that the Modi government is "scared of Rahul Gandhi."
"The Modi government is scared of Rahul Gandhi and hence, they use ED as a tool against him. He is fighting for the poor and against unemployment. The gas cylinders that women used to get for Rs 450-500 had crossed Rs 1,000," one of the protesters said.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi Leads Protests Outside Parliament House
Congress interim president and MP Sonia Gandhi led protest of party MPs against inflation and unemployment, in Parliament.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Arrives at Congress Headquarters
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrived at party HQ in Delhi amid a nationwide protest today against unemployment and inflation.
Congress Workers March to Rashtrapati Bhavan
Congress workers march to Rashtrapati Bhavan to protest against price rise and inflation.
Rahul Gandhi Reaches Parliament Wearing Black
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi reached the Parliament on Friday wearing a black shirt to protest against price rise and inflation.
Congress Workers Flock Party Headquarters
Congress workers and leaders on Friday converged at the party headquarters here to participate in the planned nationwide protest against price rise, hike in GST on essential items and unemployment.
Top Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot reached the party headquarters in the morning.
The party leaders, including MPs, are wearing black bands on their arms as a mark of protest.
Youth Congress Leader Srinivas BV Leads Protests
Congress Leader and Rajya Sabha LoP Wears Black Turban in Parliament
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge wears a black kurta and turban in protest against price rise and unemployment
'Rahul Gandhi Scared, Doesn't Participate in Discussions on Inflation': BJP
Addressing the media, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said that Rahul Gandhi never attends any discussions on price rise in the Parliament.
"Rahul Gandhi is scared. He is never present when discussions on inflation and price rise happen in the Parliament, they stage walk outs. Niramala ji told the Parliament recently that despite COVID, India's economy is doing better than many other nations. Several economic bodies in the world have praised India. Despite inflation and COVID, we have given the world 200 crores free vaccines," he said.
"Rahul Gandhi is lying to the country. A discussion happened in the Parliament two days ago. Did they participate? Did they not level fake accusations on the government? Protests against inflation and price rise are a farce. The main motive is to intimidate and threaten Enforcement Directorate," he added.
Rahul Gandhi Adresses Press Conference at AICC HQ
Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders are currently addressing a press conference on various issues.
Gandhi started his address asking, "How are you enjoying the onset of dictatorship in India?”
He said, "There is no democracy in india, there is a dictatorship in India by four people."
He added, "We are witnessing the death of democracy. What India has built brick by brick, starting almost a century ago, is being destroyed in front of your eyes. Anybody who stands against this idea of onset of dictatorship is viciously attacked, jailed, arrested and beaten up."
On being asked why the government is not being pressurised over several issues, Gandhi stated
He further stated, "All institutions are under the control of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The whole govt infrastructure is with the ruling party."
“I believe the more I speak up on issues about inflation, communal harmony, the more I will be attacked. I get great joy when political opponents attack me, because then I get to learn. Anyone who speaks against the government bears the weight of all the central investigate agencies…Democracy is now a memory in India,” Gandhi said.
Heavy Police Presence Outside Congress Headquarters
Heavy police presence outside Congress headquarters. The party said in a tweet, "They want us to be scared of the police. Our intention is to raise the voice of the people."
Congress Workers Protest Against GST
Congress workers protest against GST at party office in Delhi.
'We Are Ready,' Says Indian Youth Congress
Indian Youth Congress said in a tweet, "We are ready."
Congress Senior Leaders To Participate in ‘PM House Gherao’
Police officials have briefed security personnel at Vijay Chowk, ahead of Congress' nationwide protest over unemployment and inflation.
Congress announced that the party MPs will hold "Chalo Rashtrapati Bhavan" from Parliament and senior leaders will participate in "PM House gherao."
Section 144 in New Delhi District
Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed in the New Delhi district, barring Jantar Mantar, news agency ANI reported.
Oppn Slams Govt in Parliament Over Price Rise, Inflation
The Opposition slammed the ruling government during a discussion on inflation and price rise in both the Houses this week.
Developments on Thursday
Speaking on the ED's probe after the agency sealed the office of Young Indian at the National Herald office while Delhi Police personnel were deployed outside the Congress headquarters, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Thursday that it was an intimidation attempt by the Narendra Modi-led government.
He said, "They think they will be able to silence us with a little pressure...We won't be intimidated. We are not scared of Narendra Modi. They can do whatever they want."
Menawhile, with the Enforcement Directorate tightening its grip over the Congress party in the National Herald case, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge roared in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, after he was interrupted by the Treasury benches.
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