Protesters miffed with ‘andolanjeevi’ remarks

Amarjot Kaur

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 9

As BKU leader Balbir Singh Rajewal arrived at the Matka Chowk this evening amidst the spirited roars of “Rajewal teri soch teh, perhra deyangay thok kay”, it brought little relief to those hurt by PM Modi’s remarks on protesters.

On Monday, PM Modi, replying to a debate on the President’s Budget session speech, said the country needs to be protected against what he called ‘andolanjeevi’ or those who survive on protests. This hasn’t gone down well with city-based protesters, who have been gathering at Matka Chowk in hundreds since January 26.

“Such language doesn’t behove any Prime Minister of a country. This is absolutely unfortunate, especially in a democratic country like India,” said Padma Shri Awardee Swaran Singh Boparai, who has received Kirti Chakra too.

Dr Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, retd additional director, health, Punjab, said: “I am not surprised at his (PM Modi’s) ‘andolanjeevi’ remark. Ever since he came to power, he has been using such language and lying through his teeth. He’s an EVM PM, not a popular PM.”

Meanwhile, Rajwal appealed to keep the protest peaceful.