JAMMU, Oct 19: The Shiv Sena Dogra Front, under the leadership of its president, Ashok Gupta, staged a protest demanding clarity and accountability from the Congress party over its political positions, alleged associations and response to controversial remarks concerning national security and constitutional institutions.
Addressing the protesters, Gupta questioned the Congress leadership over its position on Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who are facing proceedings in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. He demanded that the party clarify its position on the political views and narratives associated with the two individuals, while emphasising that allegations of serious offences must be decided through due process of law.
The protest also raised questions about remarks attributed to Neha Bohra, particularly her reported comments praising Bangladesh’s Gen Z movement. The Front sought clarification from the Congress leadership on its views regarding the remarks and the broader issues of democratic dissent, political change and constitutional processes.
“The people of India deserve clear answers from political parties on questions concerning national security, constitutional values and the unity of the country. Political leaders must explain their positions openly instead of leaving citizens to draw conclusions from conflicting statements and political alliances,” Gupta said.
The Shiv Sena Dogra Front also called for a fact-based discussion on the Congress party’s historical record concerning constitutional institutions, judicial appointments and internal democracy.
Referring to historical judicial appointments, Gupta called for claims concerning the qualifications and appointment procedures of former Chief Justices to be examined against official records. The Front also raised the controversy surrounding the Congress presidential selection process of 1946, when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel received nominations from a majority of Provincial Congress Committees, while Jawaharlal Nehru ultimately became Congress president.
The organisation demanded greater public awareness of the episode and called for an open discussion of the circumstances surrounding the leadership selection process and the role played by the Congress leadership at the time.
“When political parties raise questions about electoral fairness today, their own historical record and the way they have handled internal democracy must also be open to public scrutiny. Democratic principles should apply consistently, whether the question concerns elections, judicial appointments or the selection of party leadership,” Gupta stated.
The Shiv Sena Dogra Front urged Congress leaders to publicly clarify their positions on the issues raised during the protest. The organisation maintained that political parties should respond to public concerns with factual explanations, consistency and respect for constitutional principles.
The protest concluded with a call for greater political accountability, transparency and the protection of national unity and constitutional institutions.
Party workers who participated in the protest alongside Ashok Gupta included Rahul, Abhishek, Ashish, Ashu, Sushil, Fauji, Narinder, Kishore, Mohan, Bittu, Akshaye, Sunil, Sandhya, Bhajo, Sheela, Nirmal and others.