Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
Congress leaders and supporters from across the state staged a significant protest at the Udham SIngh Nagar district collectorate in Rudrapur on Monday, voicing their dissatisfaction with the state government’s handling of law and order, rising crime rates, and corruption. The demonstration turned tense as Congress members clashed with police while attempting to cross barricades leading to the collectorate.
The protest began with Congress leaders and activists raising slogans against the government. Senior Congress leaders, including State President of Mahila Congress Jyoti Rautela and Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya, breached the barricades, leading to a scuffle with the police.
The assembly included notable Congress figures such as State President Karan Mahra, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat, and former State President Pritam Singh. They were joined by Kiccha MLA Tilakraj Behar, former Assembly Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal, Deputy Leader of Opposition Bhuvan Kapri, and Jaspur MLA Aadesh Chauhan.
Congress leaders criticized the state government for the alleged collapse of law and order and rampant corruption. They cited various issues, including the rape and murder of a nurse in Gadarpur, the assault of a minor in Haridwar, illegal ammunition recovery involving a BJP MLA’s family, and other high-profile cases of crime. They accused the BJP of abusing power and failing to address these serious issues effectively.
The protesters accused the government of corruption and claimed that police and political collusion were enabling illegal activities like extortion and mining. They demanded accountability and called for the resignation of the current government, asserting that the people will respond at the upcoming assembly by-elections, civic, and panchayat elections.
A memorandum outlining their grievances was submitted to the District Magistrate at the protest site. Police presence was heavy, with officers from multiple stations deployed to maintain order.
