Congress leaders protest in Gujarat Vidhan Sabha on first day of monsoon session

The three-day monsoon session of the Gujarat Assembly began on Monday. The opposition Congress had initially planned a massive gathering near the Vidhan Sabha to coincide with the start of the session. However, due to heavy rain across the state, the party cancelled the large-scale demonstration.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders were seen outside the Vidhan Sabha holding posters and staging protests. On Sunday, Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda had announced the cancellation of the planned gathering, but he, along with Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani and other Congress leaders, appeared outside the Assembly with placards highlighting various issues, including alleged corruption in the MGNREGA scheme and arrest of BJP’s Bachu Khabad.

Tight security arrangements were in place around the Assembly complex. Security deployment included two superintendents, six deputy superintendents, 30 police inspectors, 60 sub-inspectors, and more than 500 police and State Reserve Police personnel. A Quick Response Team was kept on standby for emergencies, and the Bomb Disposal Squad conducted checks around the Assembly. In light of the protest threats, the state capital was placed under heightened security.

Meanwhile, AAP leader Chaitar Vasava of Dediyapada, who was arrested following an altercation with BJP leader Sanjay Vasava, was released on a three-day interim bail by a court to attend the Assembly session. He was freed from Vadodara jail and is expected to participate in the Monsoon Session proceedings.