The demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Vote thief, leave the throne,” alleging that the ruling party came to power through fraudulent means. According to eyewitnesses, police forcibly placed protesters into vehicles, including two police vans and one small PAC vehicle, and used strong language while handling the crowd.
Varanasi Metropolitan Congress Committee President, Raghavendra Choubey, was reportedly placed under house arrest during the protest. Several activists were taken to the police line for questioning and temporary detention. Youth Congress leaders accused law enforcement officials of misconduct, claiming excessive force was used against peaceful demonstrators.
Speaking to the media, Udaybhan, a senior Congress leader, said the protest aimed to highlight concerns over alleged vote manipulation. “It has been proven that the government became Prime Minister by stealing votes. While protests are allowed in places like Kashmir or Kanyakumari, they are not permitted in Uttar Pradesh. The Constitution of India does not work here,” he said.
The protesters also expressed frustration over the denial of permission for the rally. “We had sought permission from the district administration for the past 15 days. They refused without giving any reason. If they won’t grant permission, will the US PM give it? We were not even told why our request was rejected,” Udaybhan added.
The incident underscores growing political tensions in Varanasi, with opposition parties accusing the local administration of suppressing dissent. No official statement has yet been issued by the Varanasi district authorities regarding the protest or police action.
The protest highlights continuing friction between state authorities and opposition groups over electoral accountability and civil rights, with further demonstrations likely as political scrutiny intensifies in the region.
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