Patna: The detention of opposition leaders, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, during a protest in Delhi became a flashpoint in the Bihar Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
Ahead of the Assembly proceedings, MLAs from the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) staged a protest in the Assembly portico, raising slogans against the central and Bihar governments. The demonstration took place during the ongoing monsoon session of the legislature.
Opposition Alleges Attack on Democratic Rights
Holding placards, the opposition legislators accused the central government of curbing democratic rights and suppressing peaceful protests.
The MLAs said the detention of leaders participating in a demonstration in support of students was “unfortunate for democracy”. They also raised slogans including “Save Democracy” and “Dictatorship will not be tolerated” during the protest.
Leaders Raise Concerns Over Student Issues
Opposition members alleged that voices questioning issues affecting students and young people were being silenced.
They claimed that action against leaders participating in peaceful demonstrations reflected an attempt to suppress dissent and said such measures would not be accepted by the public.
Protest Briefly Disrupts Political Atmosphere
The protest created a brief political standoff within the Assembly complex before the legislators entered the House to participate in the day’s proceedings.
The demonstration in Patna followed the detention of several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Akhilesh Yadav, by Delhi Police during a protest held on Tuesday in support of students. The Bihar opposition said its protest was aimed at condemning that action.
