Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has publicly supported the Cockroach Janta Party for the first time, stating that waving the national flag during a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar is not a crime.
In a post on X, Gandhi said, “Waving the Tricolour at Jantar Mantar in a peaceful protest is not a crime. Jailing youth for it is an act of cowardice.” He further noted that students, youth, journalists and members of the INDIA bloc, though under different banners, share one cause: citizens demanding their constitutional rights. He added that Jantar Mantar belongs to the people of India and that it would be reclaimed.
The comments come after CJP co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to five days’ judicial custody. On Tuesday morning, Das, Ranka and 12 other CJP leaders entered the Jantar Mantar area to wave a tricolour as part of their protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
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The action took place a day after Delhi Police issued a circular de-notifying Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. Das, Ranka and CJP national organisation in-charge Ajinkya Shinde were produced before the Special Executive Magistrate at Mandir Marg Police Station on Wednesday morning. Das and Ranka were remanded to five-day judicial custody, while Shinde was released after signing a personal bond.