Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 10 (ANI): Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday accused the BJP government and Delhi Police of detaining around 2,500 people in connection with protests in the national capital, alleging that even a peaceful demonstration by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and five TMC MPs was not allowed.
Banerjee alleged that those detained included party workers, supporters, people with no political affiliation and bystanders.
He also compared the government’s actions to the era of Adolf Hitler and questioned why a government elected by the people was afraid of peaceful protests.
“Today, across Delhi, the BJP government and the Delhi Police have detained around 2,500 people, including party activists, supporters, individuals with no political affiliation, and even bystanders simply standing on the street. Mamata Banerjee and five Members of Parliament were sitting at a bus stop, staging a peaceful protest against the theft of votes in Bengal; yet, even that form of protest was denied to them. This surpasses even the era of Hitler. If this government was elected by the people, why is it so afraid of the common man’s protest?” he said.
TMC MP further alleged that metro stations, railway stations and airports were being kept shut despite Supreme Court directives, claiming that the restrictions were aimed at preventing people from reaching protest venues.
“Even after the Supreme Court’s directives, you are keeping metro stations, railway stations, and airports shut. Previously, we used to see protesters blocking trains or highways; now, the government itself is doing it to prevent ordinary people from protesting or reaching protest venues,” he said.
Questioning the protection being extended to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, Banerjee claimed that his arrest would have implications for several political leaders, including those in the BJP.
“Why are they trying to shield Gyanesh Kumar? If Gyanesh Kumar is arrested, no one, not even the BJP’s top, powerful leaders, will escape; everyone will end up behind bars,” he said.
According to sources, Delhi Police has detained 1,000 protesters across the national capital so far on Saturday while attempting to march towards Jantar Mantar for a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. (ANI)
"This surpasses even Hitler's era": Abhishek Banerjee slams Delhi Police's crackdown on protesters