The 'Social Justice' rally or 'Yuva Hunkar Rally’, helmed by Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani, was held at Delhi’s Parliament Street – despite being denied permission by the city police.
While speaking at the rally, the Dalit leader said that he and his supporters stand against the sidelining of real issues like corruption, poverty, and unemployment by the Modi government.
Dear PM Modi, I am from your state of Gujarat. The violence that took place in Bhima Koregaon has to be answered for not by me, but by you. You must answer why the Bhim Army is being targeted. You must answer why Chandrashekhar Azad has been imprisoned.Jignesh Mevani, MLA, Gujarat
The Dalit leader, who made his mark in the recent Gujarat elections, demanded the release of Bhim Army’s Chandrashekhar Azad.
We firmly believe that the way in which Alpesh Thakore, Hardik Patel and Jignesh Mevani snatched away the BJP’s goal of 150 seats in the Gujarat Assembly has led the BJP to target us. Instead of arresting BJP leaders who perpetrated violence in Bhima Koregaon we are being hunted.Jignesh Mevani, MLA, Gujarat
The rally was also attended by student leaders Umar Khalid and Kanhaiya Kumar, who enthralled the audience with their speeches. Taking a dig at the Modi government, Umar Khalid said,“The Modi government may kill us and force those like Rohith Vemula to commit suicide, but we won't bow down.”
Kanhaiya Kumar stated that it’s vital to be the voice of the poor and the downtrodden.
We are accused of being against Hinduism and Indian culture. But these are all false accusations. It is our responsibility to give voice to the downtrodden. We’ve studied at the taxpayer’s expense. It would be a big blunder if we don’t talk about your problems.Kanhaiya Kumar, Student Leader
Around 15,000 police personnel were deployed at Parliament Street. The Delhi Police on Monday denied organisers permission to hold the event.
Video Editor: Mohd Ibrahim
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