“The Administrator is trying to turn the city into a jail. People do not even have the right to protest now. There may have been stray incidents of violence, but this cannot be construed as licence to stop all protests,” he said.

Two days ago, Dasgupta was taken into preventive custody while he was on his way to address agitating workers in Gurgaon. He says, “The government should realise that peaceful protests should be allowed. If this is not done, people will be forced to pick up arms. Already one-third of the country is under Maoist control. I appeal to the Prime Minister to ensure that benefits of development reach the common people and the police be prevented from committing atrocities.”

The party plans to hold a protest outside Parliament on December 16 in which over 5,000 supporters are likely to participate. The protestors’ demands include a check on rising prices, violation of labour laws and job losses. “Around 50 lakh workers lost jobs after several small-scale industries were shut down in Punjab. The textile and garment industry have been affected. If our demands are not met we will launch a satyagraha throughout the country,” said Dasgupta.