Tushar Gandhi Calls Protests a ‘No-Confidence Motion’ Against Govt, Vows Nationwide Agitation

Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson Tushar Gandhi on Sunday criticised the government after his release from detention, describing the ongoing protests as a public “no-confidence motion” against the ruling establishment. He vowed to continue the agitation until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resigns and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s entire Cabinet steps down.

Speaking to IANS, Tushar Gandhi recounted the events following his detention, saying he was initially taken to the D.N. Nagar police station before being informed that, as a senior citizen, he would need to undergo a medical examination. He was subsequently taken to Borivali station.

Gandhi said he was informed at 6 p.m. on Saturday that he would be released, but his mobile phone was not returned. According to him, the constable accompanying him had the phone, but it was still not handed back. Four police officers later took him home in the same vehicle, he added.

Despite his detention and the apprehension of other organisers, people continued to arrive at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, Gandhi said, asserting that participants were joining the movement voluntarily.

Describing the demonstrations as a “no-confidence motion” by the people against the government, he announced plans to organise similar protests across the country every week until his demands were met.

Gandhi alleged electoral manipulation by the government and said citizens remained committed to defending democracy. He also said the movement was being waged for the independence of the police.

Referring to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, Gandhi said, “I would tell Sonam Wangchuk not to make statements but to take to the streets. Our movement will continue until our demands are met.”

He said the events at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday, along with the demonstrations in Mumbai, showed that ordinary citizens were coming forward voluntarily to oppose the government.

Gandhi reiterated that the agitation would continue despite the detention of its organisers.

The Mumbai protest had been planned at the historic August Kranti Maidan in solidarity with demonstrations scheduled at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The protesters were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

However, before the demonstration could begin, police imposed stringent security measures at August Kranti Maidan and in the surrounding areas. Barricades were erected at several locations, access roads to the ground were closed, and police took into custody people who arrived to participate in the movement.