Congress intensifies pressure on Centre over police action against student protesters, demands accountability and debate in Parliament
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the police crackdown on a student march in Delhi and urged citizens to join a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official residence. The appeal came a day after police action against demonstrators participating in a march organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
Calling the incident an attack on the aspirations of India’s youth, Gandhi said students raising concerns about their future should not be met with force. In a message posted on social media, he appealed to “patriotic Indians” to participate in the dharna, arguing that the government must answer questions being raised by students across the country.
The protest saw the participation of senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and K.C. Venugopal. According to party sources, the decision to march towards the Prime Minister’s residence was taken after the Opposition was reportedly denied an opportunity to discuss the issue in Parliament.
Addressing reporters outside Parliament, Gandhi alleged that India’s education and examination systems were facing a deep crisis and accused the government of remaining silent on the concerns raised by students. He described the police response as “un-Indian” and reiterated the Opposition’s demand for accountability over the handling of the protests.
Meanwhile, the government indicated its willingness to discuss the matter in Parliament. Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh reportedly met Gandhi and conveyed that a discussion could take place on Wednesday.
The agitation continues at Jantar Mantar, where CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke remains on a sit-in protest. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike, continues to receive medical supervision at Safdarjung Hospital while refusing intravenous fluids. Protest leaders have vowed to continue their movement until their demands are addressed.
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