Government Attempting to Suppress People’s Struggles on Key Issues, Say Protestors
Gonda: Left-wing parties staged a strong protest against the Uttar Pradesh government’s alleged collection of private information about leaders and activists of left-wing parties, farmers’ organizations, and people’s movements. The information is reportedly being gathered through police and local intelligence units.
The protest was led by senior left-wing leader Satynarayan Tripathi. Following the demonstration, a memorandum addressed to the President and Governor was submitted to Deputy District Magistrate Pankaj Verma of Gonda.
Allegations of Privacy Violations
Speakers at the protest said that collecting personal information, bank account details, PAN numbers, and other sensitive data of citizens engaged in political and social activities constitutes a serious attack on citizens’ privacy and democratic rights. They demanded that the government clarify the legal basis and purpose for gathering such information.
The left-wing leaders alleged that in several districts, activists are being pressured to provide personal information. They argued that surveillance or creation of private data files based solely on someone’s association with a political party or people’s organization represents a grave concern for democratic governance.
Key Demands
The protestors outlined several key demands:
- Immediate cessation of the process of collecting private and sensitive information
- Public disclosure of all government orders and circulars related to data collection
- Review of previously collected inappropriate personal data and its destruction where necessary
- Stop demanding sensitive information like bank account details and PAN numbers without clear legal basis
- End improper pressure on activists through police and intelligence machinery
- Conduct an impartial, high-level investigation into the entire matter
Government Policies Condemned
Speakers condemned what they described as the BJP government’s “oppressive and authoritarian policies,” stating that democratic forces would oppose such measures. They pledged to continue the struggle for protection of citizens’ privacy, freedom of expression, and democratic rights.
The protest was attended by senior communist leaders including Comrade Kaushalendra Pandey, District Secretary CPI(M); Comrade Ishwar Sharan, District Secretary CPI; Comrade Jamal Khan, District Secretary CPI(ML); along with dozens of other activists and party members from various left-wing organizations.
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