Agencies | New Delhi:
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday accused opposition parties of using street protests as a political weapon following electoral setbacks, as demonstrations continued in the national capital over demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Commenting on the protests, Prasad said recent electoral results had shown that people had rejected attempts to create disorder in the country. He maintained that political issues should be addressed through Parliament rather than street demonstrations.
“You have weaponised street protests because of your defeat,” Prasad said.
The BJP leader also alleged that opposition leaders had attempted to create an atmosphere of instability over the past three days. Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he accused him of trying to foment disorder.
Taking a swipe at the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Prasad described it as a “shadow” of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging that the group was engaging in politics to benefit the latter.
He also referred to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s participation in the protests, criticising the opposition’s political mobilisation in Delhi.
Prasad’s remarks came amid heightened security arrangements in parts of the capital, where several political leaders and protesters were detained in connection with the CJP’s demonstration demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Opposition parties have criticised the restrictions and detentions, while authorities have maintained that the security measures are necessary to manage the situation and maintain law and order.
