Seeking to turn up the political heat on the issue of increase in prices of petrol and diesel as also the killing of Indian soldiers at the LAC in Ladakh, the Congress has decided to undertake mass protest programmes.
K.C. Venugopal, AICC General Secretary and the person in-charge of Organisation, said that on June 26, the Congress will pay homage to the martyrs of Ladakh by observing ‘Shaheedon Ko Salaam Divas’ across India.
"They will sit at ‘Shaheed Smaraks’ or the statues of Mahatma Gandhi or freedom fighters in their respective locations. In paying homage to the martyrs, there will be no sloganeering and silent protesters along with the national flag in the background and placards will light lamps and candles in tribute to the martyrs between 11 am and 12 noon on that day," Venugopal said.
An online campaign named 'Speak up for Our Jawans' also will be held on the same day by posting live videos and posts in social media platforms.
On June 29, Congress leaders and workers will sit on a two-hour dharna from 10 am and 12 noon at every district headquarters to protest against the rise in the price of petrol and diesel.
"Displaying banners and placards demanding roll back in the prices, the protestors shall maintain all social distancing norms and wear protective masks," Venugopal said.
At the end of dharna, a memorandum addressed to the President of India through the District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner will be submitted with all leaders of the district merging at the office of the concerned official.
On the same day, the party will also hold an online campaign titled 'Speak-Up on Petroleum Price hike'. The leaders, party functionaries, and sympathisers will put up live videos and posts highlighting the plight of truck and taxi drivers and the common men in particular.
The Pradesh Congress Committees will then follow up with Taluka, Tehsil and Block level dharnas, in the week between June 30 and July four, 2020. All these protest programs will observe social distancing protocols issued by the relevant authorities, Venugopal said.