The student demonstration, titled “Stand in Solidarity”, was met by pro-government protesters who gathered to voice their support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Several Metropolitan Police officers kept the two groups apart, with both sides waving the Tricolour and a set of steps separating them.
The protest on Friday followed an “Emergency Protest” held earlier this week outside India House in London. That demonstration was called to “amplify” the demands of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), including the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and the scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in India.
During Friday’s demonstration, chants of “Azadi” and “Saare Jahaan Se Achcha” rang out from the student group. The pro-government gathering responded with slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Modi, Modi”, with demonstrators also waving a large cut-out of the Prime Minister.
“We will not tolerate the erasure of votes. We will not tolerate police violence. We are here in defence of Indian democracy,” SFI UK said in a statement.
Several speakers addressed the gathering, urging demonstrators to respond to the counter-protesters with “Jai Bhim” and “Shame”. Meanwhile, the pro-government group attempted to make its voice heard over the loudspeaker, responding with similar chants of “Shame”.
Rahul Kale, a London-based entrepreneur with strong business links to India, was among those participating in the pro-government gathering. Defending the government’s economic record, Kale highlighted the trade agreement between India and the UK.
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has expanded global trade through a landmark FTA with the UK, opening new export opportunities,” Kale said.
He also criticised the impact of the demonstrations on investor sentiment. “I feel it is necessary for the protesters to understand that these protests in London for no reason hamper investor confidence and create unnecessary panic,” he said.
Hirdesh Gupta, Founder-Director of Indian Diaspora in the UK (IDUK), also addressed the gathering, expressing support for the Prime Minister.
“Today, we gathered at the High Commission of India to express our unwavering faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is working tirelessly for India's progress and prosperity,” Gupta said.
The rival demonstrations highlighted the sharp differences between the groups over India's electoral processes, democratic accountability and the government's record. With further protests and counter-protests planned in London in the coming days, the High Commission has become the focal point of continued public demonstrations involving supporters and critics of the Indian government.
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