Stop Anarchy: Thousands Join ABVP Student Rally in Lucknow
Thousands of students marched in Lucknow under the "Stop Anarchy, Embrace Democracy" call to protect constitutional institutions and electoral integrity.
Lucknow witnessed a massive surge of youth energy on Sunday as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organized a grand student rally. Under the nationwide banner “Stop Anarchy, Embrace Democracy,” thousands of students and ABVP members marched from Lucknow University to Gandhi Chowk in Hazratganj, sending a strong message about the sanctity of India's constitutional framework.
A March for Constitutional Integrity
The rally was centered on the urgent need to protect democratic values and the independence of constitutional institutions. The ABVP emphasized a core democratic principle: that governments in India must be changed through the power of the ballot box during elections, rather than through coercive politics or the pressure of mobs.
Prominent leaders who graced the event included ABVP National Secretary Abhay Pratap Singh, along with Prant Secretaries Shivam Singh (Kashi), Mangal Gupta (Goraksh), Arpan Kushwaha (Awadh), and Dinesh Yadav (Kanpur).
Combatting 'Mob Pressure' and Anarchy
Addressing the gathering, National Secretary Abhay Pratap Singh highlighted that the bedrock of Indian democracy is built upon public trust, the fundamental right to vote, and the autonomy of its institutions. While acknowledging that political dissent is a healthy part of a democracy, Singh warned that attempting to topple governments through anarchy or by targeting institutions is entirely unacceptable.
“The authority to change governments in the country rests solely with the people, who elect and replace governments through their votes,” Singh stated.
Addressing Electoral Grievances
The organization took a firm stand on how electoral disputes should be handled. Regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the ABVP clarified that this is a standard administrative procedure. They argued that any allegations of irregularities should be backed by concrete evidence and presented before the appropriate constitutional forums rather than using them to spread distrust.
The ABVP also pointed out a perceived double standard among political parties, questioning why different positions are adopted regarding the SIR in states like Kerala, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, they criticized demonstrations that disrupt the daily lives of traders, students, and general citizens.
Lessons from Neighbors: Bangladesh and Nepal
In a significant observation, the ABVP referred to recent political upheavals in neighboring Bangladesh and Nepal. The organization asserted that such patterns of anarchy have no place in India and should not be replicated.
Singh argued that India's democracy is too resilient for such shifts, noting that the people alone determine the fate of the government. To illustrate the youth's faith in the democratic process, he cited the ABVP’s success in student union elections across diverse regions, including:
- Delhi University
- Uttarakhand
- Kerala
- Odisha
According to the ABVP, these victories prove that students are aligned with the ideology of ‘Nation First’ and believe in the power of the democratic process. The rally concluded with a passionate call to the youth of India to safeguard national interests and constitutional values through peaceful and democratic means.