INDIA bloc leaders hit the streets to 'save democracy'

Rahul links intrusion to lack of jobs, says BJP MPs ran when cans spewed smoke

- PREETHA NAIR

IN their first joint protest outside Parliament, several senior leaders of the INDIA bloc launched a broadside against the BJP government for the recent suspension of 146 Opposition MPs from both Houses, accusing it of strangulating parliamentary democracy.

The leaders who attended the protest at Jantar Mantar, under the 'Save Democracy' banner included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, CPM's Sitaram Yechury, CPI leader D Raja, RJD's Manoj Jha, and DMK's Tiruchi Siva.

Parallelly, the INDIA bloc partners held protests in several state capitals, including Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram and Patna.