Congress and VBA Announce Major Protest March to RSS Headquarters in Nagpur
In a significant political development, the Congress party and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) have jointly announced a large-scale protest march scheduled for March 23 in Nagpur. The demonstration is specifically targeted at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters, with organizers aiming to raise pressing questions regarding the alleged mention of BJP leaders in the controversial 'Epstein Files' and to scrutinize India's recent engagement with the United States on trade matters.
March Route and Leadership Details
The protest march is planned to commence from Samvidhan Square and proceed directly to the RSS headquarters located in the Mahal area of Nagpur. Leading the demonstration will be Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal alongside VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar. The event is expected to draw participation from thousands of dedicated party workers and members of various allied groups, signaling a strong show of opposition unity.
Core Issues Driving the Protest
State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal, in a statement to the media, articulated the primary motivations behind the march. The central demand is for Sangh leaders to explain why BJP ministers have retained their positions despite the serious revelations contained within the 'Epstein Files'. Sapkal emphasized that these files, which have reportedly been confirmed by Israeli officials and are publicly accessible online, have severely damaged India's international reputation.
Furthermore, Sapkal connected this issue to broader national concerns, criticizing recent trade agreements negotiated with the United States. He argued that these pacts could have detrimental effects on India's crucial agriculture sector, thereby compromising the nation's economic sovereignty and self-respect. The protest aims to highlight what organizers describe as the exposed "conduct, character, and functioning" of the ruling BJP government.
Questioning the RSS's Role
The joint statement issued by the Congress and VBA explicitly references the RSS as the ideological parent organization of the BJP. It poses a direct challenge, questioning why the RSS has continued its unwavering support for the BJP amidst this growing controversy. "When India's global image is at stake, why has RSS continued its support?" the statement demands, framing the march as a concerted effort to seek accountability from both the central government and the influential Sangh Parivar organization.
Logistical Preparations and Expected Turnout
Harshwardhan Sapkal provided details on the logistical preparations, indicating that the local party unit is currently completing all necessary formalities to secure official permission from the Nagpur police and district administration. The organizers are anticipating a massive turnout, with Sapkal claiming that over 50,000 Congress workers alone are expected to participate in the march, which underscores the scale and significance of this political mobilization in the heart of Maharashtra.
