Special Correspondent
Pune: The Maharashtra Pradesh Youth Congress’ ‘Yuva Aakrosh’ march, aimed at raising concerns over youth unemployment, women’s safety, farmers’ issues, and social harmony, was stopped by the police in Pune. The march, which was set to proceed from Lal Mahal, Pune, to Vidhan Bhavan, Mumbai, was blocked at Shivajinagar, citing lack of police permission. Several Youth Congress activists were detained.
The march was led by Youth Congress State President Kunal Raut, with key leaders including Ajay Chikara (Maharashtra In-Charge), Shivraj More (Working President), Ehsan Khan (Co-In-Charge), Bunty Shelke, Sonallakshmi Ghag, Prashant Ogle, Srinivas Nalamwar, Vaishnavi Kirad, Media Department Head Akshay Jain, Ajit Singh, Vijay Chaudhary, Prathamesh Aanave, Ritwik Dhanwat, Amol Daundkar, Saurabh Amarale, Mahesh Taware, Chandrashekhar Jadhav, Umesh Pawar, Kaustubh Navale, Rahul Shirsat, Atul Pedevade, among others.
“Democracy Suppressed Under Government Pressure” – Youth Congress
Speaking on the incident, Ajay Chikara stated that the march was initiated to demand justice for unemployed youth, fair valuation of farmers’ produce, and concrete steps for social unity and peace in the state. He criticized the police action, saying, “Despite democracy granting everyone the right to express their views, the government pressured the police to suppress our movement and detain our activists.”
Youth Congress State President Kunal Raut condemned the police crackdown, calling it “an attack on democracy.” He stated, “Our protest was peaceful and non-violent. Yet, the police stopped us. Maharashtra Youth Congress has always fought for the rights of youth, farmers, women, and the common people, and we will continue to do so. We will not bow down to pressure and will soon take to the streets in even greater numbers.”
Youth Congress to Intensify Protest on March 19
Media Department Head Akshay Jain announced that on March 19, the Youth Congress will march to Vidhan Bhavan in even larger numbers, stating, “We will make this deaf government listen to the voice of the youth. This fight is for the rights of Maharashtra’s people, and we will see it through to the end.”
