Hooda Calls Congress Workers’ Arrest a ‘Black Day’ for Democracy

Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda on Saturday criticised the BJP government and Gurugram administration over the arrest of nine Congress workers following a black-flag protest against Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s convoy in Gurugram.

Addressing a press conference, Hooda said peaceful protest was a constitutional right in a democracy and accused the government of attempting to silence opposition voices through police action and the administration.

The nine Congress workers were arrested after allegedly waving black flags at Saini’s convoy on Friday. They were booked for allegedly disrupting VIP security arrangements and obstructing government duty. The workers were subsequently released on bail.

Congress leaders said the protest was held over the delay in announcing results for first-year students of Gurugram University. Saini was in Gurugram to attend a meeting of the District Public Relations and Grievance Redressal Committee before proceeding to a ‘Chaupal’ programme associated with the GenH Startup Summit 2026 at the university.

Hooda described the arrests under non-bailable provisions as a “black day” in the history of democracy. He alleged that the government was using police and administrative machinery to suppress criticism of its policies and failures.

“In a democracy, it is the government’s responsibility to listen to the public and the opposition, not to imprison those who dissent,” Hooda said.

He warned that the Congress would intensify its agitation if cases against the arrested workers were not withdrawn. The issue, he said, would be raised both on the streets and in the legislature.

Hooda also urged the Gurugram administration to ensure impartial and lawful action, arguing that attempts to suppress opposition voices under political pressure could threaten democratic institutions.

He stressed that Congress’ fight was not directed against any individual but was aimed at protecting democracy, the Constitution and the right to peaceful protest. The party, he added, would stand firmly with its workers if they faced injustice.