Congress Seva Dal Volunteers Hold Massive Protest Rally Against Modi Government Policies
In Rohtak, Haryana, around 50 members of the Congress Seva Dal, both men and women, dressed in white, gathered at HUDA (Haryana Urban Development Authority) park for a post-dawn meeting. The Seva Dal’s Sunday Ravi Milan meetings, which start with the hoisting of the tricolour and singing of Gandhi’s favorite bhajans and kirtans, often draw curious onlookers who stop to listen.
On April 27, the women at the meeting in Rohtak wanted to discuss rising prices, free LPG cylinders, and growing youth unemployment. One observer, noting the attendees’ attire, said, "These people are different."
Similar Ravi Milan gatherings were held at 180 different places on the same day, according to Poonam Chauhan, president of the Haryana Mahila Congress. Are these meetings similar to RSS shakhas? Chauhan responded, "In our gatherings, we talk about nation-building, the challenges to the nation, and our freedom struggle through the history of the Congress."
RSS meetings are possibly more ‘political,’ Chauhan said, adding, "Woh dande se todenge/ Hum tirange se jodenge" (they break with their lathis, we bind with the tricolour).
Ravi Milans have evolved over time, says Amit Sarthi, a long-time trainer of the Seva Dal. In recent months, discussions have included the misuse of Central agencies by the Union government, shrinking democratic space, and the plight of ordinary citizens. Sarthi, a gifted singer, has marched with Kanhaiya Kumar in Bihar during the recent "Palayan Roko, Naukri Do" Yatra and participated in the Bharat Jodo Yatra and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
Reference : https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/haryana-at-101-congress-seva-dal-is-getting-a-new-lease-of-life
