Raipur, Chhattisgarh : Tensions ran high in Raipur on Saturday as workers of the Indian Youth Congress attempted to march toward the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state office to stage a protest. Heavy police barricading and security arrangements prevented the demonstrators from reaching the BJP headquarters.
The protest was led by Akash Sharma, President of the Chhattisgarh Youth Congress. As the march progressed, clashes broke out between police personnel and protesting workers, leading to scuffles and temporary detentions. Several Youth Congress members were taken into preventive custody after a brief confrontation.
Interestingly, the protest coincided with a separate march by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, whose members were simultaneously attempting to lay siege to the Congress office. Police intervention ensured that workers from neither party could reach the opposing offices, averting a direct face-off.
Addressing the media, Akash Sharma said the Youth Congress follows the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi and believes in democratic protest. He accused the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to address unemployment and suppressing dissent. Sharma alleged that Youth Congress workers were manhandled and dragged by police during the protest, calling it the beginning of a larger movement.
The Youth Congress also raised the issue of the alleged mention of Prime Minister Modi and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in the so-called “Epstein files,” demanding a clear and transparent response from the government. In addition, protesters criticized what they termed as anti-farmer agreements with the United States and accused the government of labeling democratic protests as anti-national.
Police officials said the situation was brought under control quickly and law and order was maintained throughout the city. No major injuries were reported.