Congress Leaders Argue With Police Over Tricolour During Protest

Congress leaders clashed with police officers at a protest site after a police worker attempted to remove the national flag. Priyanka Gandhi and other leaders stopped the worker and questioned what issue anyone could have with the Tricolour. The police worker explained that the wooden stick might hit someone in the head, while the leaders maintained that the flag is simply the flag. Rahul Gandhi posted about the incident on his social media, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah about whether police understand the difference between a flag and a stick. He asked a police officer what trouble his sitting there caused. He explained that because they were removed from their previous spot, they sat down here instead, and asked for an alternative place to sit if this one is not allowed, noting he is a political person who wants to sit somewhere other than home. Priyanka Gandhi stated that an MP has the right to sit and protest any wrong matter, and that citizens wishing to protest is part of normal democracy and the constitution. She reminded the officers that they are soldiers of the constitution. Rahul Gandhi added that around 300 MPs wanted to go to the Election Commission and speak with election commissioners, but were blocked from doing so. He said they sat here after being stopped from reaching the election office, adding that police could either help secure an appointment with Gyanesh Kumar or tell them where else they could sit. Priyanka Gandhi noted that barricading and closed traffic across Delhi have affected not just their protests, but student protests over the past few days as well. She stated that they will sit wherever they sit, and police should decide the location.

Context

Protests and political demonstrations often lead to friction with local law enforcement over security arrangements and barricades in the capital. Political figures regularly use public sit-ins and social media statements to draw attention to their denied access to government bodies.