Andhra Congress protests in Vijayawada against cases on Rahul Gandhi

The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) held a protest in Vijayawada on Tuesday, demanding the immediate withdrawal of cases registered against Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. Party leaders and workers described the cases as illegal and politically motivated.

A rally was taken out from the party office, Andhra Ratna Bhavan, to Dharna Chowk, where protesters gathered with placards. Slogans were raised against the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, with demonstrators accusing it of engaging in political vendetta.

Addressing the gathering, APCC working president Mastan Vali alleged that the BJP-RSS combine was attempting to intimidate Rahul Gandhi by filing cases against him for raising issues concerning the public. He said the registration of FIRs and the alleged misuse of the SC/ST Act would not deter Congress leaders.

Mr. Mastan Vali referred to Rahul Gandhi's statement that cases filed against him were "ornaments," saying it continued to inspire party workers. He asserted that the Congress would fight to protect the Constitution, democracy, equality, and people's rights. He also questioned the reported "purification" of a place visited by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge during an election campaign, calling it an insult to constitutional values.

Former Minister and senior Congress leader J.D. Seelam said questioning the government and highlighting public problems were fundamental responsibilities of the Opposition in a democracy. He argued that filing cases against Rahul Gandhi out of political vendetta was against the spirit of democracy.

The leaders demanded the immediate withdrawal of the cases and an end to what they termed political vendetta against Opposition leaders. APCC vice-president Kolanukonda Shivaji, district and city presidents, and workers of the Mahila Congress, Youth Congress, and NSUI participated in the protest.