Post by : Meena Ariff

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has voiced strong criticism against the Delhi Police for detaining senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The two leaders were taken into custody while participating in a protest supporting farmers, an incident that has sparked widespread political debate.

Revanth Reddy condemned the police action, calling it an “attack on democratic rights” and an example of the central government’s intolerance toward dissent. He stated that peaceful protest is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution, and any attempt to suppress it is unacceptable in a democratic nation.

The Incident in Delhi

The detention took place in New Delhi during a demonstration organized to highlight farmers’ issues, including demands for fair crop prices and resolution of pending agricultural policies. Rahul and Priyanka were reportedly marching with other Congress members toward the Parliament Street area when police intervened, citing prohibitory orders in place under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Eyewitnesses reported that the protest was peaceful before police stopped the march and took several participants, including the Gandhi siblings, into custody. They were later released after a few hours.

Farmers’ Concerns at the Center of Protest

The rally was part of a larger campaign by the Congress party to draw attention to the struggles faced by farmers across India. Issues such as Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantees, loan waivers, rising input costs, and delayed procurement of crops were among the key concerns raised.

Farmers’ unions from several states have been pressing the government to address these issues urgently, arguing that neglecting them could worsen rural distress. The Congress has pledged to stand firmly with the farmers and has accused the central government of ignoring their plight.

Revanth Reddy’s Criticism of the Central Government

Revanth Reddy used the incident to criticize the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government, accusing it of using police forces to silence opposition voices. He said that instead of engaging in dialogue, the government is using force to prevent leaders from reaching the people.

“Democracy thrives when every citizen can speak their mind. Detaining elected representatives for raising public issues is against the spirit of our Constitution,” Revanth remarked during a press briefing in Hyderabad.

Opposition Parties Rally in Support

Following the detention, several opposition parties expressed solidarity with Rahul and Priyanka. Leaders from regional parties such as the DMK, TMC, SP, and others condemned the police action, saying it reflected an alarming trend of curbing political freedom.

Social media was flooded with videos and images of the detention, sparking debates among citizens and political commentators. Many pointed out that the right to protest is a key pillar of democratic governance and that detaining leaders for participating in such protests undermines public trust.

The Larger Political Context

The incident comes at a time when political tensions are running high ahead of upcoming elections in several states. The Congress party has been trying to consolidate opposition unity by highlighting issues like unemployment, inflation, and farmers’ struggles.

Political analysts say that such detentions could either demoralize opposition activities or galvanize public sympathy for them. In the past, high-profile arrests have often led to increased political momentum for those detained, especially if the public perceives the action as unjust.

Public Reactions and Future Plans

Citizens have expressed mixed reactions. While supporters of the Congress party called the detention a “shameful misuse of power,” some government supporters argued that the police were only enforcing the law and maintaining order.

Revanth Reddy announced that the Telangana Congress will organize state-wide demonstrations in the coming days to protest against the Delhi Police’s actions and to demand stronger support for farmers.

The detention of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi has reignited debates about freedom of expression, the right to protest, and the role of law enforcement in political activities. As political parties trade charges and prepare for upcoming elections, incidents like this will likely remain in the spotlight, shaping both public opinion and political strategy in the months to come.