'Let Them Do What They Can': CPI(M) MP Defies Ban During 'Lehra Do Tiranga' March
CPI(M) MP John Brittas and youth wings defy Delhi Police restrictions during the Lehra Do Tiranga march in Connaught Place.
In a high-tension showdown in the heart of the national capital, protesters participating in the Lehra Do Tiranga march successfully breached police restrictions to reach Connaught Place on Friday. The demonstration, led by various youth and student wings, turned into a battle of wills between the demonstrators and the Delhi Police.
Defying the Ban in Central Delhi
The march saw a massive turnout of workers from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), All India Students’ Federation (AISF), and the All India Youth Federation (AIYF). Despite strict orders from the Delhi Police prohibiting entry into the central business district, the protesters managed to penetrate the security cordons.
Joining the rally, CPI(M) MP John Brittas expressed a sense of victory over the restrictions. He highlighted that the authorities had explicitly stated that no one would be permitted to reach Connaught Place (CP), yet the marchers succeeded in reaching the central part of the city.
“We have defied the Delhi Police; we have defied their ban. We have upheld the Tricolour. Let them do what they can do,” Brittas declared.
Crackdown and Detentions
The atmosphere remained volatile as the Delhi Police moved to curb the unrest. Officials reported that approximately 150 demonstrators were detained during the protests. The unrest escalated as members and leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also joined the rally outside Central Park in Connaught Place.
One notable arrest was that of CJP activist Abhijeet Dipke, who was picked up from the residence of NCP-SCP spokesperson Anish Gawande. According to police officials, Dipke was placed under preventive detention because Section 163 was in force in the Connaught Place area.
Mamata Banerjee Slams 'Fascist' Action
The detention of youth activists sparked a fierce reaction from former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Banerjee condemned the arrest of Abhijeet Dipke, questioning how holding the Indian National Flag could lead to detention in a free country.
Banerjee described the current situation as an “undeclared emergency,” alleging that the government is attempting to intimidate the younger generation into silence. She characterized the administration's conduct as that of a “fascist regime” that cannot tolerate voices it cannot control.
Expressing her solidarity with activists Abhijeet, Ashutosh, and Saurav, she stated:
"You represent the courage, conscience and aspirations of India’s youth. You cannot silence an entire generation by suppressing its voice."
Ending her critique with a call to action, she urged the nation to "WAKE UP," asserting that the struggle for democracy, freedom, and the right to dissent would persist.