NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the police action against student protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) march to Parliament in Delhi.He called the previous day a “Black Day” for Indian democracy and demanded that July 20 be observed annually as “Coward’s Day”.In a separate post on X, Raut also took a sarcastic swipe at Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
Raut’s tweet
Raut wrote, “Chief Justice of the Supreme Court My Lord Suryakant ji… The credit for today’s great movement goes to just this one person! For bringing the dead of the country back to life. Thanks. Thank you!”The remark appeared to be aimed at recent developments surrounding the protest, though Raut did not elaborate further.Addressing a press conference, Raut said the country’s youth had expressed their anger in a democratic manner and alleged that police used “inhumane” force against the protesters.“Yesterday, the youth power of the country expressed their anger and outburst in a way that we consider as democracy. The kind of inhuman lathi charge, tear gas, dragging, breaking legs, and splitting heads that Narendra Modi and Amit Shah’s government and their police did on those young boys and girls,” Raut said.Repeating his demand for a symbolic observance, Raut said, “That’s why I said yesterday was a very dark day in Indian democracy, a ‘Black Day’. From now on, July 20 should be observed as ‘Coward’s Day’.”Raut said he remained in touch with the protest leaders throughout the night and also visited the protest site.His remarks came a day after Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activists marched towards Parliament demanding the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.According to Delhi Police, the protest left more than 118 police personnel injured, while more than 60 protesters were also reported injured.The protest has triggered strong reactions from the Opposition over the government’s handling of the demonstrations.Raut joins protest at Jantar MantarOn Tuesday, Raut also reached Jantar Mantar to join the ongoing CJP protest, reaffirming his party’s support for the student-led agitation.Addressing protesters, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said the movement had now grown beyond the national capital.“The fire that has been lit here at Jantar Mantar will not be extinguished now,” Raut said, adding that if required, leaders like him would also join the hunger strike in solidarity with the protesters.He further claimed that the agitation had spread across the country, with demonstrations now taking place in cities, towns and villages, and assured students that the Opposition would continue to back their demands.(With agency inputs)
