Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad Criticizes Government Over Youth Protests in Mumbai

Mumbai, October 16 (Daily Kiran) : Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad has sharply criticized the government following recent protests by the Cockroach People’s Party (CJP) in Delhi. Speaking in Mumbai, she emphasized that the frequent references to Bangladesh in political discussions are misplaced. Gaikwad stated that the youth taking to the streets over issues like paper leaks signifies a failure of the system.

She expressed concern that spaces for protests are being systematically restricted. After Jantar Mantar, there are attempts to limit access to Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, further stifling public voices. “Why do we always mention Bangladesh when issues arise? There are claims about infiltrators coming from there. Many revolutions have occurred in various places, including Nepal,” Gaikwad remarked.

The protests were initially sparked by the recent paper leak incident, which left many young people disillusioned. “After a year of hard work, they shouldn’t face such setbacks in a single day. If our youth are on the streets, it indicates a systemic failure,” she noted.

Reflecting on her past experiences, Gaikwad recalled how her group faced restrictions during their protests in Mumbai, with police confiscating their microphones and speakers. She pointed out that permissions for protests are rarely granted, and when they are, it’s often limited to Azad Maidan.

Gaikwad warned that Azad Maidan is also at risk of being closed off, similar to what happened at Jantar Mantar, as the government continues to suppress public dissent. “These locations have historically allowed people—women, anganwadi workers, and those concerned about various issues—to voice their grievances,” she said.

Since the protests began, she noted, there have been increasing attempts to detain individuals for minor infractions. “In independent India, there seems to be no space left for protests,” she asserted.

Gaikwad lamented the restrictions at Jantar Mantar, once a hub for student protests, now devoid of such freedoms. “Efforts are underway to minimize gatherings at Azad Maidan as well, but the fight continues. Everyone is participating, and the movement persists in every possible way.”