Congress workers march in Vijayapura against FIR on Rahul Gandhi

Congress workers took to the streets in Vijayapura on Tuesday, staging a protest march against the FIR registered against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The demonstration was led by District In-charge Minister M.B. Patil, along with other party leaders and workers.

The marchers assembled at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Circle and proceeded to the Deputy Commissioner's office, where they raised slogans against the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. A petition addressed to President Droupadi Murmu was submitted through Deputy Commissioner Anand K.

Speaking on the occasion, Patil alleged that the BJP and RSS workers had cleaned the venue where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a gathering in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, calling it a clear instance of caste discrimination. He noted that Rahul Gandhi had sought strict action against those involved in the cleaning ritual.

Instead of acting against the accused, Patil said, the Union government has pressured officers to file an FIR against Gandhi. He described the case, registered at the Kotwali police station in Haldwani, as an act of political vengeance aimed at silencing opposition voices.

Patil expressed confidence in the judiciary and said the party would contest the matter legally. Among those present were MLA Vitthal Katakadhond, Congress district president Mallikarjuna Loni, and leaders Raju Alagura, Mohammed Rafiq Tapal, Prabhugowda Lingadalli, Chandsab Gadagalav, and Subhas Kalebaga.