Congress Postpones August 5 Protest Rally to August 8 Following Demise of Former Chief Minister Shibu Soren. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to Attend Funeral.
Shibu Soren Congress: Shibu Soren, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and founding leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), passed away at the age of 81. He had been unwell for a long time. He breathed his last on Monday morning. His passing has sent a wave of grief throughout Jharkhand and the entire country. The state government has declared three days of state mourning in honor of Shibu Soren. All government programs and events have been postponed during this period.
Congress Postpones Protest Program Against Election Commission
In light of Shibu Soren's demise, the Congress party has decided to postpone its proposed protest program. This program was scheduled to be held on August 5, 2025, regarding alleged irregularities by the Election Commission. However, it will now be moved forward by three days to August 8.
Rahul Gandhi and Kharge to Attend Funeral
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Rahul Gandhi will visit Ranchi on August 6 to pay tribute to Shibu Soren. Senior party leaders will participate in the funeral to be held in Jharkhand. Congress has taken this decision in honor of Shibu Soren, in order to show sensitivity by refraining from political programs at such a time.
Randeep Surjewala Shared Information
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala informed in a press conference that the program which was proposed on August 5 will now be held on August 8, 2025. He said that this decision was taken after discussions with Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, DK Shivakumar and other senior leaders. All the leaders agreed that it would not be appropriate to hold protests in an environment of mourning.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Informed
Surjewala informed that the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, has also been informed about the postponement of the program. He also agrees with this decision. Congress believes that the programs have national level implications and postponing them at such a time is the right decision.
On What Issue is Congress Protesting?
Notably, Congress is raising questions about the functioning and impartiality of the Election Commission. The party alleges that the commission played a biased role in the recent elections. Regarding this issue, Congress has planned a nationwide campaign and protest program. The aim of this protest program is to send a message of saving democracy and the impartiality of institutions.
Many Institutions Will Remain Closed During the Funeral
As per the instructions of the Jharkhand government, many government offices, educational institutions, and public institutions in the state will remain closed on the day of Shibu Soren's funeral. In addition, political parties have also been appealed to refrain from any kind of public demonstration or political program.
