Rahul Gandhi, the scion of Congress, has once again sparked debate by admitting to certain “mistakes” made by the party and emphasizing the need for political change in the future. This statement emerged during an event held in Lucknow on 10 May 2024. However, what truly grabbed attention was the presence of Deepak Kabir, who was arrested for allegedly inciting riots during anti-CAA protests. His appearance at the event raised eyebrows, particularly since posters featuring him were displayed in Lucknow after members of the now-banned terror outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) confirmed his involvement in the riots.
During the event held in Lucknow, Rahul Gandhi characterized Prime Minister Narendra Modi as more of a monarch than a democratic leader, alleging that he acts as a front for “two-three financiers.” Addressing a query about the Constitution at the event organized by the Samruddha Bharat Foundation, Rahul emphasized the need for the Congress party to evolve its political approach in the future, acknowledging past mistakes within the party. However, he didn’t delve into specifics regarding the changes he believed were necessary. Rahul Gandhi opined, “The Congress party will also have to change its politics in the coming times. This will have to be done. I also want to say that the Congress party has also made mistakes and I am saying this while being from the Congress party.”
Later, Rahul Gandhi asserted his belief that in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the ruling BJP would be confined to fewer than 180 seats. Reiterating a prediction made in previous joint rallies with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul confidently stated, “I can give you in writing if you want, that Narendra Modi is not going to be the PM again.” He highlighted his disinterest in political power, viewing it merely as a means to serve the public.
He argued that marginalized groups such as SC/ST, OBC, Dalits, tribals, and minority communities, which constitute around 90% of India’s population, are often denied equal opportunities. He advocated for a caste-based census, asserting that the nation cannot progress without the inclusion of these marginalized sections in various spheres of society. Accusing the Prime Minister of subverting the Constitution, Rahul remarked, “Modi ji is not a prime minister, he is a king.” He alleged that Modi operates as a proxy for a select few financiers who wield real power behind the scenes.
Later, during the Q&A session, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his readiness to debate with anyone, including the Prime Minister, although he believed Modi would refuse. He suggested that party president Mallikarjun Kharge should also participate in such debates. In response to a question about the exclusion of the Old Pension Scheme from the party manifesto, Gandhi indicated that it could be reconsidered.
Rahul Gandhi said “I am 100 per cent ready to debate with anyone, with the prime minister. But I know the prime minister will not debate with me.”
मैं 100% किसी भी मंच पर प्रधानमंत्री से ‘जनता के मुद्दों’ पर डिबेट करने को तैयार हूं,
पर मैं उन्हें जानता हूं, वो 100% मुझसे डिबेट नहीं करेंगे। pic.twitter.com/lxB8AqlzfN
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 10, 2024
Rahul acknowledged the difficulty of undoing the privatization of institutions initiated by the Modi administration but committed to averting the complete privatization of significant establishments.
Presence of Controversial Figure Deepak Kabir Linked to Riots Amid Anti-CAA Demonstrations
In 2019, the Uttar Pradesh police detained three officials of the Popular Front of India (PFI) after Deputy CM Dinesh Sharma accused the organization of involvement in violence during anti-CAA demonstrations. These individuals, including Wasim Ahmad, Nadeem Ali, and Ashfaq, who held positions within the UP unit of PFI, admitted to participating in the unrest in Lucknow on December 19. Subsequent inquiries led to the apprehension of others implicated in organizing protests and fueling unrest. Law enforcement confiscated “objectionable” materials, such as pamphlets covering various topics, from the detained individuals. Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Mohammad Shoaib, Deepak Kabir, Robin Verma, and others, allegedly connected to PFI leadership and engaged in mobilizing supporters via social media.
The police asserted that PFI employed a multifaceted approach to fomenting violence during demonstrations, including rallying supporters and directing certain groups to confront law enforcement and media personnel. Alleged evidence, including WhatsApp conversations and images, purportedly demonstrated PFI members’ involvement in organizing and inciting violence. The organization’s presence extended across several districts in Uttar Pradesh, with cases filed against them for distributing provocative materials like posters and banners in specific locations.
Subsequently, Deepak Kabir and 56 others were featured on billboards erected throughout the capital of Uttar Pradesh in relation to the alleged incitement of violence in Lucknow during the 2019 protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. Initially considered absconders, Kabir was later arrested and released on bail.
(With Inputs From ABP News)
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