Congress leaders and workers in Uttar Pradesh marched towards the Assembly to protest the alleged weakening of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and non-payment of wages. They faced heavy barricading by security forces preventing them from advancing. The party criticized the state government for diluting and mishandling the MGNREGA implementation.
Led by Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai, a large group of party members defied restrictions to reach the Assembly complex. Tensions rose as the Rapid Action Force and state police intervened using mild force to disperse the protesters. Some party leaders, including Ajay Rai, were detained during the incident.
Congress State President Ajay Rai condemned the police actions, alleging excesses against their workers. He emphasized their peaceful intent and vowed to hold the government accountable for any harm to their workers. Congress MP Kishori Lal Sharma also criticized the police, labeling it an attack on democratic rights and highlighting their peaceful protest intentions.
