Chirag Paswan backs youth’s right to dissent, questions transport curbs
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New Delhi: Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Friday said India's youth could not be stopped from making their voices heard, while questioning the disruption of transport services and road connectivity ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) planned protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a convocation ceremony in Sonipat, Haryana, Paswan was asked about the measures being taken ahead of the October 10 protest. He questioned how many trains could be stopped and how much road and transport connectivity could be disrupted through demonstrations.
Paswan said the country's youth had the potential to show the way to the world and had demonstrated this ability across generations.
However, the minister criticised the opposition's approach to protests, arguing that repeated demonstrations inconvenienced the public without necessarily addressing the issues being raised. He said transparency was a fundamental democratic right but maintained that concerns should be resolved through dialogue.
Paswan urged those with grievances against the Election Commission of India (ECI) to approach the constitutional body directly, seek an appointment and present their concerns. He expressed confidence that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar would respond to their queries.
He also accused opposition parties of prioritising street demonstrations over finding solutions, pointing to protests held over consecutive days.
Despite his criticism, Paswan stressed that young people should have the freedom to express their views, including dissent and disagreement. He said he had established a platform where young people could raise concerns, offer suggestions and voice their opposition freely.
The minister said he was willing to engage with differing opinions, regardless of whether he agreed with them, to facilitate dialogue and find solutions.
His remarks came amid protests by Congress and its allies over issues concerning the Election Commission.
