CPI today hit out at the NDA government after Rahul Gandhi was allegedly prevented from taking part in a candle light march organised by Congress' Delhi unit over the alleged suicide of an ex-serviceman, saying the "highhanded" action of police was "unacceptable".
The Left party maintained that being the Vice President of one of the largest political parties and an elected representatives, Gandhi has "all the right" to express solidarity with family of the ex-serviceman, Ram Kishan Grewal, as India is "still a democratic country".
CPI national secretary D Raja also hit out at Union Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh over the latter's remark that "mental state" of Grewal needs to be probed, terming it as "bizarre".
"In democracy, everyone has a right to express solidarity. All said and done, he is vice president of one of the largest and oldest political parties in the country and elected member of Parliament. He must be allowed to perform his democratic duty," Raja said.
He asked, "How come Delhi Police detain them in such a high-handed manner? This is not acceptable. India is still a democratic country, it has not become a police state yet. The BJP should understand this."
The Rajya Sabha member hit out at Singh for making a "bizarre and atrocious" statement with regard to Grewal.
"He is a minister and had been a former army chief. How come he makes such a bizarre and atrocious statement? The government has ignored the core issues related to OROP. So, who should be held responsible for the death of Grewal?" Raja asked.
Gandhi was this evening prevented from marching to India Gate to protest Grewal's alleged suicide over OROP, a day after he was detained twice while trying to meet the family of the deceased soldier.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
