Varanasi – In a dramatic turn of events in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Congress chief Ajay Rai and nine others face legal trouble after a protest that stirred up the city’s streets. The Varanasi police booked the group for allegedly blocking roads and causing public disruption during an unauthorized march on Thursday evening, July 10. The demonstration, led by Rai, was aimed at highlighting the city’s poor road conditions, particularly potholes and waterlogging, ahead of the Sawan festival and Kanwar Yatra. Here’s what’s happening, with updates as the story unfolds.
The Protest That Sparked Controversy
On Thursday night, Ajay Rai, a prominent Congress leader and five-time MLA, led a padyatra (foot march) through Varanasi to draw attention to the city’s crumbling infrastructure. Joined by Congress workers, including district president Rajeshwar Patel and metropolitan president Raghavendra Choubey, Rai and his supporters took to the streets to protest against potholes and waterlogging, issues that have long plagued the city, especially during the monsoon season. The march, however, was held without prior permission from the authorities, which led to chaos.
According to police reports, the protest caused significant traffic disruptions, with ambulances and commuters stuck in jams near the railway station and bus stand. The Varanasi police filed an FIR against Rai and nine others, charging them with obstructing public roads and creating disorder. The FIR was lodged at a local police station late Thursday, and the case is now under investigation.
Rai, however, didn’t hold back in his response. Calling the police action a “dictatorial move,” he accused the authorities of targeting him for raising valid concerns about Varanasi’s infrastructure. “This is PM Modi’s constituency, and yet the roads are in shambles. We were only standing up for the people, especially Kanwariyas who will face these issues during the Yatra,” Rai told reporters. He also pointed fingers at the Prime Minister’s Office, alleging political motives behind the FIR.
Public and Political Reactions
The incident has sparked a heated debate in Varanasi, a city known for its spiritual significance and as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency. Residents have mixed feelings. “The roads are terrible, and someone needed to speak up,” said a shopkeeper near Dashashwamedh Ghat. “But blocking traffic isn’t the answer. It only makes things worse for us.” Others, like a few college students, supported Rai’s cause but questioned the timing. “Sawan is around the corner. Why create chaos now when the city is already preparing for pilgrims?”
On the political front, Congress leaders have rallied behind Rai. The party issued a statement condemning the FIR, calling it an attempt to “silence voices of dissent.” Meanwhile, BJP leaders defended the police action, urging for “responsible protests” that don’t inconvenience the public. “Varanasi is being transformed into a world-class city. Such disruptions only harm the progress,” said a local BJP spokesperson.
Ajay Rai’s History of Confrontation
This isn’t Rai’s first brush with controversy in Varanasi. A vocal critic of PM Modi, Rai has repeatedly challenged the BJP’s dominance in the city. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he contested against Modi and claimed to have narrowed the victory margin significantly. Just last week, Rai made headlines with a bold statement, vowing to “force Modi to leave Varanasi” in the 2029 elections or retire from politics himself. His recent protest is seen by some as part of this ongoing political battle.
Rai’s supporters argue he’s a grassroots leader who understands Varanasi’s struggles. Critics, however, say his actions often border on publicity stunts, especially with local elections looming in 2026. The FIR adds fuel to an already charged political atmosphere in Uttar Pradesh.
What’s Next?
As the investigation continues, all eyes are on how Rai and the Congress party will respond. Will they escalate their protests, or will they take a more diplomatic route? The Varanasi police have promised a fair probe, but Rai’s allegations of political pressure could complicate matters. For now, the city braces for the Sawan rush, with locals hoping for quick fixes to the roads before pilgrims arrive.
This story is developing, and we’ll keep you posted on any major updates. Stay tuned for more on these unfolding events in Varanasi.
