On Friday, Independent MP Pappu Yadav, dressed as a sadhu (ascetic), staged a protest within the Parliament complex to highlight alleged theft involving offerings made to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. Several other opposition MPs accompanied him during the demonstration.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and former party president Rahul Gandhi also participated in the protest. The demonstration was held to protest the alleged theft of donations intended for the Ayodhya Ram Mandir and the police action against students during their march to Parliament on July 20.
Opposition Demands Amit Shah’s Resignation
MPs from the INDIA bloc demanded the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah. They also questioned his absence from the House proceedings. The MPs protested in front of the Makar Dwar (Capricorn Gate) of Parliament, raising slogans such as “Amit Shah, resign,” “Amit Shah, come to the House,” and “Thief of offerings, step down from power.”
How Was the Protest Conducted?
The MPs placed donation boxes on the steps in front of the Makar Dwar. Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, alias Pappu Yadav, sat beside these boxes dressed as a *sadhu*. A skit was performed during the protest to convey the message; Rahul Gandhi and other MPs deposited money into the boxes, while Pappu Yadav pocketed the cash, symbolizing the allegations of theft regarding the Ram Mandir offerings.
Which MPs Participated?
Leaders including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party’s Awadhesh Prasad and Dharmendra Yadav, and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s Mahua Maji participated in the protest. All the MPs stood behind a large banner that read, “Why is Amit Shah missing from the House?”
On Which Issues Does the Opposition Intend to Corner the Government?
The INDIA bloc has stated that it will continue to corner the government over allegations of theft regarding temple offerings and the issue of “harsh action” taken against students protesting the NEET paper leak.
Congress President Also Raised Questions
Earlier, on Wednesday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had supported the demand made by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding accountability. He alleged that the BJP was responsible for the ‘deadly attack’ on the students.
In a post on X, Kharge stated, “Pellet guns were fired at our youth and students. This happened either with Home Minister Amit Shah’s approval or at his behest and under his instructions. Both scenarios raise questions regarding the accountability of the Home Minister or the Prime Minister.” He asserted that the BJP had launched a deadly attack on the youth, and that this was the reality.
What did Rahul Gandhi say?
Rahul Gandhi alleged that Amit Shah was either responsible for the matter or unfit for the position. He demanded an independent inquiry into the incident under the supervision of the Supreme Court.