Bullock Carts, Donkeys, and Cycles: VBA Protest Against Fuel Price Hikes in Akola A symbolic protest against the rising costs of petrol and diesel unfolded in Akola on Monday, as activists from the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) took to the streets carrying bullock carts, donkeys, horses, bicycles, and hand-pulled rickshaws. The demonstration, organized to highlight the growing financial burden of fuel prices on ordinary citizens, began at Tower Chowk and moved toward the District Collector’s office, drawing large crowds of farmers, women, and party workers. Participants deliberately chose non-motorized and traditional modes of transport to underscore their message: that escalating fuel costs could force people to revert to pre-modern commuting methods. The protest stood out for its unique visuals, with hundreds of bullock carts lining the roads while others rode horses, donkeys, bicycles, or walked on foot. A senior participant remarked, “At 55, we never thought we would see the return of bullock carts in daily life. But rising fuel prices have reminded us of our childhood days.” Corporator Parag Gawai, who rode a donkey during the protest, called the act symbolic, stating, “If the government is asking people to save fuel, then perhaps this is the alternative. Even leaders should try such rides if fuel continues to get costlier.” Farmers participating in the march warned that surging diesel prices would directly impact agricultural operations, particularly with the upcoming kharif season. They highlighted how rising fuel costs affect irrigation and farm machinery, increasing fertiliser and input expenses and ultimately raising cultivation costs. Women protesters emphasized the strain on household budgets, noting, “When fuel prices rise, everything becomes expensive. Even cooking becomes difficult.#akola #vanchit_bahujan_aghadi #district_collector #tower_chowk #parag_gawai
Opposition March Targets RSS, Seeks Modi’s Resignation Over ‘Epstein Files’ Allegations A joint protest organized by the Congress and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) on Monday intensified political pressure on the ruling government, with leaders demanding that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) compel Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign over alleged indirect references to him in the “Epstein Files.” The march, led by state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal and VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar, began at Samvidhan Square in Nagpur and moved toward the RSS headquarters in Mahal before being halted by police at Morris College. Despite restrictions, thousands of party workers gathered near the site, chanting slogans against Modi and petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Congress claimed that an indirect mention of Modi appeared in the Epstein Files, a collection of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice in January. Sapkal described the alleged reference as “extremely serious,” noting that individuals whose names surfaced in the files had resigned or faced legal action globally. He argued that since Modi had acknowledged the RSS’s role in his political rise, the organization should demand his resignation. Sapkal further accused Modi of “bowing before the United States” following the controversy, linking it to trade decisions and criticizing the government’s denial of permission for the march as an attempt to suppress dissent. Sapkal questioned the absence of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who was reportedly in Delhi, and raised concerns about the PM’s silence on international matters.#congress #narendra_modi #rashtriya_swayamsevak_sangh #harshwardhan_sapkal #vanchit_bahujan_aghadi
Cong, VBA denied permission to march towards RSS HQ A planned protest march by the Congress and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) towards the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Mahal was halted on Monday after authorities denied permission for the full route, citing law and order concerns. The protest, originally intended to start at Samvidhan Chowk, will now be restricted to Morris Y Point. Traffic restrictions will be enforced between 12 noon and 3 pm along the route. Vehicles traveling from Rahate Colony to Morris Y Point must turn left at the Institute of Science and right at Manas Chowk. Traffic from Kamptee Road and Kasturchand Park Metro Station towards Samvidhan Chowk will be diverted via Jaistambh Chowk and Akashwani Chowk. Additional traffic adjustments may be made depending on the situation, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lohit Matani. The march will be led by State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal and VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar, with the protest scheduled to begin at 11 am. Party leaders have called for widespread participation to demonstrate opposition to the BJP-led Central government. The protest is linked to allegations involving the "Epstein files," with Congress leaders accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining silent on the issue. They also allege a sustained BJP campaign to discredit the party’s leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi. In a statement, Congress leaders criticized the Centre’s foreign policy and accused the BJP and RSS of undermining democratic values. The protest comes amid broader political tensions, with the Congress seeking to challenge the BJP’s narrative and assert its position in the state.#congress #rashtriya_swayamsevak_sangh #harshwardhan_sapkal #vanchit_bahujan_aghadi #prakash_ambedkar
Epstein Files row: Oppn plans march to RSS HQ Nagpur: The Congress and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) have announced a joint protest march in Nagpur on March 23, targeting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters. The demonstration aims to question Sangh leaders about the alleged inclusion of BJP ministers in the Epstein Files and India’s ongoing engagement with the United States. The march, organized from Samvidhan Square to the RSS headquarters in Mahal, will be led by state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal and VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar, with participation from thousands of party workers and allied groups. Sapkal, speaking to The Times of India, stated that the protest seeks to address why BJP ministers remain in office despite the revelations in the Epstein Files. He also highlighted concerns over recent trade agreements with the US, warning that these could negatively impact India’s agriculture sector. The protest underscores growing political tensions over the government’s handling of international relations and domestic economic policies. The march comes amid broader debates about the role of the RSS and BJP in shaping India’s political landscape. Critics argue that the Epstein Files, which allegedly link certain BJP leaders to controversial activities, have raised questions about the party’s integrity. Meanwhile, the trade deal with the US has sparked discussions about its potential effects on Indian farmers and industries, adding to the opposition’s demands for accountability. The event is part of a larger narrative of political mobilization, with opposition parties leveraging issues like economic policy and foreign relations to challenge the ruling government.#congress #rashtriya_swayamsevak_sangh #harshwardhan_sapkal #vanchit_bahujan_aghadi #prakash_ambedkar
