Congress stomps on Gowda nameplate

NEW DELHI: Congress took the protest over the Narendra Modi government's first Rail Budget to the residence of railway minister D V Sadananda Gowda after the budget was presented in Parliament on Tuesday. The protests took a violent turn after Congress protesters stopped the minister's car and tore off the nameplate outside the house. Senior leader and former MLA Mukesh Sharma went a step ahead and allegedly stood on the plaque. Delhi Police has registered a case against Sharma for obstructing and attacking a public servant on duty.

Protesters descended on Gowda's residence at Thyagraj Marg around 3pm and raised slogans against Modi and Gowda. Arvinder Singh criticized the move, saying, "This is wrong. I tried to stop the protesters. Congress workers wanted to protest in a silent manner. This is not our culture and I ensured that all workers stay peaceful."

"The government is trying to privatize the railway network," Singh told reporters. The situation spun out of control when Congress workers saw Gowda returning from Parliament. The protesters surrounded the vehicle and didn't let him enter his residence for a few minutes. The security personnel pushed them aside to make way for the minister's car.

Police put up barricades around the minister's residence to keep out the protesters. On Monday, Congress leaders had tried to gherao Parliament to protest against price rise and the rail fare hike but were held back by security persons.

The DPCC chief said they would continue the Halla Bol Andolan against the NDA government.