Jairam Ramesh Condemns Police Brutality at NSUI Protest in Varanasi

Introduction to the Protest

In a recent demonstration, Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh voiced his disapproval of the police’s harsh response to the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI)’s "Save MGNREGA" protest in Varanasi, the constituency represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Criticism of the BJP Government

In a post shared on X, Ramesh criticized the BJP-led government, labeling it as a "trouble-engine government" shaken by peaceful democratic expressions. He stated, "In Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency of Banaras, students, under the leadership of NSUI’s national president Varun Chaudhary, took out a ‘Save MGNREGA’ campaign march. This was a completely peaceful and democratic demonstration carried out under constitutional rights."

Allegations of Police Brutality

Accompanying his post was a video allegedly showcasing police officers physically confronting NSUI national president Varun Chaudhary during the protest. Ramesh highlighted that such violent actions against peaceful protests reveal the government’s unease with dissent.

Wider Context of Protests

These allegations surfaced amid Congress’s ongoing nationwide protests against the newly enacted Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G Act), which is set to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Congress aims to raise awareness about this significant change in employment policy.

Local Actions in Varanasi

On the same day, Congress workers gathered for a protest themed ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ at Townhall Park in Varanasi. Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai, along with fellow party members, observed a symbolic fast near the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.

Statements from Ajay Rai

Speaking to ANI, Rai stated, "We are on a fast… This government ended the MGNREGA law, and to protest that, each of our Congress workers is sitting on the streets. We want to remove those who want to erase Mahatma Gandhi’s name." He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to strip citizens of their rights and claimed that police were assigned to disrupt the protests, even allegedly blocking opposition leaders from leaving their homes.

Preparation and Security Measures

In anticipation of the NSUI march, Uttar Pradesh Police and paramilitary forces reinforced security measures at the Prime Minister’s public outreach office in Varanasi, instituting strict surveillance on all access routes.

The Significance of the VB-G RAM G Act

On January 3, the Congress party announced a nationwide, three-phase agitation titled ‘MGNREGA Bachao’ in response to the government’s passing of the VB-G RAM G Act. This legislation was recently signed by President Droupadi Murmu, signaling a major shift in India’s rural employment policy.

Conclusion

As the situation continues to evolve, the Congress party remains committed to advocating for the rights of the people, asserting that their struggle for justice and employment will persist.