Protests are a Democratic Right, Will Continue Until Demands are Met: Naseem Siddiqui

Mumbai, October 17 (Daily Kiran) : Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) spokesperson Naseem Siddiqui has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of attempting to undermine protests. Speaking in Mumbai, he raised concerns over the revision of voter lists, delimitation, and statements regarding women’s reservation and government changes. Siddiqui emphasized that protests are a fundamental democratic right and will continue until their demands are fulfilled.

He criticized the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and SSR processes, alleging that many citizens are being disenfranchised by removing their names from voter lists. Initially, 130 million names were removed, followed by the addition of 30 million new names, which he claimed is being misrepresented as an achievement.

Siddiqui likened this process to a tactic of raising prices only to offer discounts later. He argued that while campaigns to include new voters are run globally, India is witnessing efforts to exclude voters, which he deemed unfortunate.

Addressing concerns about the impact of protests on local businesses, Siddiqui dismissed these claims as an excuse to weaken the movement. He referenced Anna Hazare’s protests, noting that similar demonstrations in Delhi did not draw such criticism regarding economic impact. He alleged that a significant portion of the business community supports the BJP, suggesting the government is using this issue to undermine the protests. He called for discussions on the ideas of social reformers like Sahu, Phule, and Ambedkar for national progress.

Regarding arrests during protests, Siddiqui stated that the government will continue to make arrests, but people will keep returning to the streets, ensuring the movement persists. He reaffirmed their stance to continue protesting until the resignation of Knowledge Kumar is secured. Siddiqui noted that many participants faced obstacles on their way to protests but still managed to demonstrate in various locations. He claimed that the success of a movement cannot be judged solely by the turnout at any single protest.

He highlighted a recent authorized protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, recalling the city’s rich history of movements. Siddiqui referenced the Quit India Movement of 1942, asserting that the outcome of a struggle is not determined by a single demonstration.

Responding to statements from Eknath Shinde and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh regarding chaos and attempts to change the government, Siddiqui expressed disappointment. He criticized the BJP’s portrayal of protests as chaotic, arguing that such comments are an insult to the Constitution and its citizens. He clarified that changes in government occur through elections, not coups.

On the issue of delimitation, Siddiqui accused the BJP of wanting to reduce representation from southern states due to its weak political standing there, while potentially increasing seats in northern India.

Concerning women’s reservation, he argued for its implementation without the BJP claiming undue credit, as the bill was passed unanimously. Siddiqui insisted that the 33% reservation for women should also include provisions for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Muslim women. He predicted that the India alliance would not face a setback in 2029, while the BJP could suffer political losses due to growing public discontent and ongoing protests.