JOIN USCong protests 'anti-poor' rail fare hike
The Delhi unit of the Congress party on Tuesday created ruckus at the official residence of Union Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda over the rail budget.
The party members also removed Gowda’s nameplate and gheraoed his cavalcade. As Gowda completed his Budget speech in Parliament, the city Congress leaders rushed towards his Thyagraj Marg residence. Before the security personnel could understand the situation, the party leaders were blocking the entrance of his bungalow.
Delhi Congress Chief Spokesperson Mukesh Sharma removed the nameplate from Gowda’s residence threw it on the ground and stood on it demanding his resignation for the “anti-poor” budget.
“We have gheraoed the Rail Minister as he has no idea that most of the people travel in the Indian Railways are from middle class, lower middle class and from below poverty line. He has put all the burden of reviving the country’s finance on the poor people,” Sharma told reporters.
Police have filed an FIR against Sharma for defacing property. Sensing trouble, security personnel barricaded the main entrance of Gowda’s residence but it was too late.
Gowda’s cavalcade arrived before the sleuths could clear the area. Sharma and many party workers blocked Gowda in front of his residence.
The drama continued for 10 to 15 minutes before securitymen rescued Gowda’s cavalcade from the protesters. However, DPCC president Arvinder Singh Lovely standing on Gowda’s nameplate continued the protest against the minister.
“We are here for a peaceful protest against the Centre’s decision. If anyone is indulged in defacing property, the party never endorses such act,” Lovely told reporters here.
The city leaders did not disclose their plan of a sudden protest outside Gowda’s residence even to the media persons. As the Rail Budget’s speech was over, all of the party men left DPCC headquarters and rushed towards Gowda’s residence.
“We will continue such protests if the government do not roll back the hiked in rail fare. Why only Mumbai residents are enjoying slashed fare for local trains? People of Delhi and NCR also use local trains and they should also get a rebate like Mumbaikars,” Delhi Congress’ Womens’ wing chief Onika Mehrotra said.