Opposition MPs Protest in Parliament Over Ayodhya Donation Allegations, Police Action
Opposition lawmakers from the INDIA bloc, led by Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged a protest in the Parliament House complex on Monday over two issues: the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the police action against students demonstrating against the NEET paper leak.
The MPs gathered in front of Makar Dwar, the gateway to Parliament, and raised slogans including "chhanda chor, gaddi chor" (thief of donations, thief of vehicles) and called for Union Home Minister Amit Shah to appear in Parliament. They also placed donation boxes at the spot and some put cash into them to symbolise the donations made to the temple and the alleged theft that followed, according to eyewitnesses.
Among those participating were Samajwadi Party's Dimple Yadav and Dharmendra Yadav, Trinamool Congress's Mahua Moitra, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha's Mahua Maji and RSP's N.K. Premchandran. The group stood behind a large banner that read "Why Amit Shah absent from Parliament".
The slogans against Shah were in reference to the government's decision to authorise security forces to use lethal force against student protesters during recent demonstrations against the NEET paper leak. The opposition has accused the police of excessive force, while the government has maintained that the action was necessary to maintain order.
This protest comes a day after the INDIA bloc held a similar demonstration on Friday. During that event, Rahul Gandhi and other MPs placed money in donation boxes, while Rajesh Ranjan, better known as Pappu Yadav, dressed in saffron attire, slipped cash into his pockets to symbolise the alleged theft of offerings at the Ram temple.
The protests have drawn sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Hindu religious organisations, which have condemned them as an insult to Sanatan dharma. BJP leaders accused the opposition of disrespecting the faith of millions of Hindus.
Earlier on Monday, floor leaders of INDIA bloc parties met in the chamber of Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, to finalise their strategy for the week. The bloc has said it will continue to press the government on both the donation allegations and the handling of student protests.
The Ram temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site, has been collecting donations from devotees for various purposes. The opposition's allegations of theft have not been substantiated, and the temple trust has denied any wrongdoing. The matter has become a political flashpoint between the ruling BJP and the opposition alliance.
The use of force against students protesting over the NEET paper leak has also sparked debate about freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest. Several student groups have demanded an inquiry into the police action.
As Parliament convenes for the week, both sides are expected to engage in heated debates over these issues. The opposition has vowed to raise the matter repeatedly, while the government has dismissed the opposition's protests as a political stunt.
