Rahul Gandhi Condemns BJP Governments Following Deaths of Congress Workers in Protests

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP-led governments in Assam and Uttar Pradesh, alleging that democracy and the Constitution have been undermined. His remarks followed the deaths of two Congress workers during protests in these states, reportedly due to police actions. Gandhi extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and emphasised their right to justice.

In a post on X, Gandhi reiterated his statement about the erosion of democratic values in Assam and Uttar Pradesh. He noted that Congress is holding satyagraha nationwide to support Babasaheb Ambedkar and uphold constitutional principles. The deaths of Mridul Islam in Guwahati and Prabhat Pandey in Lucknow were described as tragic and condemnable by Gandhi, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Protests and Allegations

Islam's death occurred during a protest in Guwahati against issues like unrest in Manipur and allegations against Adani Group. The Congress party claimed that tear gas exposure led to Islam's demise. However, a senior police official stated that the cause of death would be confirmed after a post-mortem report, denying any injuries during the incident.

During the protest, a scuffle broke out between police and Congress supporters. Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah and former Rajya Sabha MP Ripun Bora were among those who fell to the ground and were detained but later released. Party spokesperson Bedabrat Bora claimed Islam suffocated when a tear gas shell landed near him.

Details of Incidents

Islam was initially taken to a private hospital before being transferred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, where he was declared dead. Meanwhile, Prabhat Pandey died during a protest near the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in Lucknow. State Congress chief Ajay Rai attributed Pandey's death to police brutality.

Pandey, aged 28 from Gorakhpur, was found unconscious at the Congress office before being taken to Civil Hospital in Hazratganj. DCP Central Lucknow Raveena Tyagi stated that doctors declared him dead upon arrival. According to initial medical assessments, no visible injuries were found on Pandey's body.

Official Responses

A post-mortem examination will be conducted by a panel with videography for further legal proceedings, Tyagi added. Ajay Rai expressed grief over Pandey's death on X, blaming police actions for the tragedy while attempting to gherao the assembly.

The incidents have sparked discussions about police conduct during protests and raised questions about accountability. As investigations continue, both states await further clarity on these unfortunate events.