100-200 people in each ward participate in marches against BJP-Shiv Sena combine to protest poor governance
The Congress may have finally learnt how to work the crowds. Its Mumbai unit yesterday took out “massive” marches through all 24 wards of the city to protest the “poor governance” of the BJP-Shiv Sena rule within the BMC.
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Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam at the protest rally
Some 100-200 party workers, supporters and the public — some 2,400 in total by the most conservative estimate — braved heavy downpour in each ward to call out the BJP and the Shiv Sena on the state of roads, the alleged rising corruption among bureaucrats, price rise and the high unemployment rate. All marches were restricted to their wards.
Protesters in L-Ward take out a march against poor governance
Congress leaders dubbed the protest the party’s biggest agitation in the city in the last 15 years.
Yesterday’s protest holds much significance in the Congress’ role as the main opposition party. Never before as the opposition has it been able to summon such large crowds in the city’s wards.
A political analyst said with this protest, the Congress also learnt to resolve two problems in one fell swoop: keeping party workers busy and preventing despondent ones from switching over to other parties.
Sanjay Nirupam, city Congress chief, confirmed that it was the party’s first such massive protest in Mumbai. “We were afraid that because of the rain, people wouldn’t come. But people turned up to protest the BJP-Sena rule. They are fed up with corruption, bad roads, price rise and unemployment.”
He said the protest also brought recalcitrant party leaders together, including those who have steadfastly put up a stiff resistance to him. “Every leader participated. I know that earlier, people had some issues [with me], but after [Congress vice-president] Rahul Gandhi convened a meeting of all leaders and asked them to cooperate [with me] so that we have a mayor in the BMC, all leaders have been participating in party events.”
A senior party leader, who is not from Nirupam’s camp, said workers of this faction were surprised that Nirupam had managed to pull off the protest so well despite the lack of support from begrudging leaders. “The Congress’ city unit is not used to protesting. We have never been in the opposition. Still, Nirupam managed to pull it off. At least workers have something to keep themselves busy with now.”
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