Maharashtra: NCP's Jitendra Awhad enters Vidhan Bhavan complex wearing handcuffs
What's the story
The budget session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly commenced on Monday with a unique protest by Nationalist Congress Party (SP) member Jitendra Awhad.
Awhad entered the Vidhan Bhavan complex with handcuffs on, in a symbolic protest against the deportation of illegal immigrants from the United States.
His uncommon protest garnered a lot of media attention and piqued the interest of journalists present at the scene.
Protest details
Awhad criticizes treatment of Indians in America
Speaking to the media, Awhad expressed concern over what he called a growing attack on freedom of expression in India.
He said, "Activists and individuals who dare to speak out are being silenced through criminal charges. Our constitutional right to express ourselves is under threat."
He also slammed former US President Donald Trump's visa policies for their adverse impact on Indian families.
Policy criticism
Awhad condemns Trump's visa policies
Awhad alleged these policies have resulted in mass deportations where Indians were "crammed into planes, shackled, and treated like criminals."
He emphasized on the effect on families from Maharashtra and young Indians's dreams of living in America.
"Trump's restrictive visa rules are breaking families apart... This is a disgraceful act that insults our people. Numerous families from Maharashtra are affected, and dreams of young Indians aspiring to build a future in America are being shattered," Awhad lamented.
Call to action
Awhad urges Indians to speak out against injustices
Awhad warned that staying silent on these issues would set a dangerous precedent.
"If we remain silent about the injustices faced by our fellow Indians abroad, it will set a dangerous precedent. America will continue to exploit and mistreat us," he declared.
He urged every Indian to raise their voice against these human rights violations, stating emphatically, "There is no need to fear America—America is not our master."