Congress announces statewide protests, on Aug 21, to protest Devendra Yadav's arrest
In response to the arrest of Bhilai MLA Devendra Yadav in connection with the Baloda Bazar violence case, the Congress party has announced statewide protests on August 21 at all district headquarters in Chhattisgarh. This announcement was made by Pradesh Congress President Deepak Baij during a joint press conference with Leader of Opposition Dr. Charan Das Mahant and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.
Baij emphasized that the Congress will not tolerate unjust actions and accused the state government of targeting Congress leaders out of a sense of vengeance. He pointed out that an FIR with 20 charges has been filed against Devendra Yadav, while BJP leaders who were also involved in the protest have not been questioned.
During the press conference, Baij criticized the Vishnu Deo government for its actions, alleging that the police acted under government pressure. He argued that the police's actions were biased, as Congress members received notices while BJP members did not. Baij demanded that all video evidence be made public and asserted that if any Congress worker is found guilty, he would personally hand them over to the police. He accused the BJP of engaging in "politics of revenge" and misusing legal provisions against Congress leaders.
Baij further stated that the charges against Devendra Yadav are baseless and that the BJP is trying to divert public attention from its failures by creating a negative image of the Congress among the people. He declared that the Pradesh Congress Committee opposes this action and will continue to protest against the government's unjust actions, particularly those aimed at discrediting the Satnami community and suppressing its movements.