Opposition MPs protest in Parliament premises against Centre's 'misuse' of ED, CBI

Digital Desk: Opposition parties staged a protest on the Parliament premises on Monday, accusing the central government of misusing agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). 

Prominent figures leading the demonstration included Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, KC Venugopal, Manish Tewari, K Suresh, Varsha Gaikwad, Benny Behnan, Anto Antony, Jose K Mani from Kerala Congress (M), Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha from AAP, Sagarika Ghosh from TMC, Priyanka Chaturvedi from Shiv Sena (UBT), and John Brittas from CPI(M).

Carrying placards with slogans such as 'Respect Opposition, Stop Intimidation!', 'End the Reign of Fear, Stop Misusing Agencies', and 'Stop ED, IT, CBI Misuse', the opposition leaders voiced their concerns about the government's alleged attempts to stifle dissent. They highlighted recent high-profile arrests, including those of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, which have drawn widespread criticism.

Hemant Soren, detained for 149 days over an alleged land scam, was recently granted bail. Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal remains in judicial custody after being denied bail by the Delhi High Court in connection with an investigation into a purported liquor policy scam.

As both Houses reconvene today after a two-day break, intense debates are expected on several contentious issues, including the NEET controversy and proposed changes to criminal laws. The opposition's protest underscores the rising political tensions and calls for a more transparent and fair use of investigative agencies.