Congress Leaders Stage Surprise Sit-In Protest at PM's Residence

The top leadership of the Congress surprised not only the government and the police, but also several party MPs by staging a sit-in near a gate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official residence. A senior party leader briefed on the developments said that it was necessary for top leaders to maintain secrecy to protest in such a high-security zone, as the area could be cordoned off if information was first received. The MPs were told that they had to reach party president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence at 10, Rajaji Marg to wish him on his birthday. Many MPs were unaware of the developments ahead and reached Kharge's residence. They were then asked to follow Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, as the top leaders suddenly started moving towards the gate of 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, about 500 metres away from Kharge's residence. Other party leaders also reached the spot as soon as the news of this development spread. Few top leaders were aware of this move and most of the MPs were not informed about the plan to stage a sit-in at the Prime Minister's residence after the adjournment of both houses.