Congress Youth Protest Disrupts Train Services in Patna
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Synopsis
On April 18, Congress Youth activists held a significant 'rail-roko' demonstration in Patna, blocking train services at the Secretariat Halt station. The protest was triggered by the Enforcement Directorate's charge sheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi regarding the National Herald case, leading to major disruptions in the area.
Key Takeaways
- Congress Youth staged a protest in Patna.
- Demonstrators disrupted train services at Secretariat Halt.
- Protest linked to Enforcement Directorate charge sheet.
- Major traffic jams occurred due to the protest.
- Congress claims political motives behind the ED's actions.
Patna, April 18 (NationPress) Tensions soared in Patna on Friday as Congress Youth activists initiated a "rail-roko" protest, halting train operations at the Secretariat Halt station.
This demonstration was triggered by the Enforcement Directorate's charge sheet against prominent Congress figures Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi concerning the National Herald matter.
Protesters, brandishing placards and chanting slogans like "Gandhi is not afraid of anyone", even ascended the engine of a stationary train, effectively paralyzing railway activities.
The railway gate was shut during the protest, leading to considerable inconvenience for travelers and road traffic.
Personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) were dispatched to oversee the situation and attempted to disperse the demonstrators.
Despite their efforts, the protest persisted for a considerable duration, resulting in extensive disruption and disorder in the vicinity. Additionally, the railway crossing at Gardanibagh was obstructed, creating a severe traffic jam in the area.
Commuters faced challenging conditions amid the sweltering heat.
The Congress party has characterized the ED's actions as a form of "political vendetta", particularly with the Bihar Assembly elections approaching in 2025.
They assert that the timing of the ED's charge sheet raises suspicions, coinciding with Rahul's recent travel to Gujarat, a two-day national Congress convention, and the onset of the election cycle in Bihar.
Reports indicate that the ED is initiating steps to confiscate assets exceeding Rs 700 crore linked to Associated Journals Limited (AJL), a company associated with the Gandhis.
Congress officials argue that this is a "deliberate" maneuver by the Centre to divert attention from its "failures" on significant national matters.
On April 16, Congress supporters, led by state president Rajesh Ram and in-charge Krishna Allavaru, congregated in large numbers at the Income Tax roundabout in Patna, vociferously protesting against what they termed as "politically motivated" actions by the Central government.
The National Herald, established in 1938 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, aimed to represent the concerns of the Indian National Congress during India's independence movement.
