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Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday targeted the government over its crackdown on Cockroach Janta Party protesters,
alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the "most hostile Prime Minister in the country's history". Rahul claimed that "he is so hostile that he cannot even demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan". Taking on the government over the alleged irregularities in the education system, Rahul Gandhi alleged that there have been over 150 paper leaks, affecting "7.5 crore students" but "not a single guilty person punished", instead the hardworking youth suffered. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Rahul Gandhi said, "Prime Minister Modi is the most youth-hostile Prime Minister in India's history—so youth-hostile that he can't even demand the resignation of a failed Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan." "152 paper leaks. 7.5 crore students victimized. And not a single guilty person punished. Who got the punishment? The hardworking youth," LoP said.
Speaking further, he said, "And when these children raised legitimate questions about education—they were met with batons and detention in response. The criminals who leaked the papers roam free—and the students raising valid issues are dragged around, beaten. This government isn't just failing the youth—it's pouncing on them."
Not just Rahul Gandhi, several other Opposition leaders launched a blistering attack on the government over the police action against the CJP-led protest during the 'Chalo Sansad' march.
CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, and DMK MP Kanimozhi also targeted the BJP-led government.
In a post on X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of "crushing" the students and youth by lathi-charging them for raising the NEET paper leak issue, and said this government is not fit to be in power as it does not know how to conduct examinations.
Kharge, who is the leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, first raised the issue in the House soon after the obituary references were made by the Chairman. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra demanded a detailed discussion on the paper leak issue in Parliament and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi respond to the concerns of the country's youth.
Left Accuses BJP Govt of Suppressing Democratic Dissent
Left parties accused the BJP-led Centre of suppressing democratic dissent and reiterated their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Pradhan.
Mamata Condemns Police Action Against Students
TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee condemned the police action against students and youth protesting, accusing the Centre of responding to dissent with force instead of dialogue.
Listen To The Youth, Says Kejriwal
Kejriwal appealed to the Centre to "listen to the youth" instead of ordering a lathi charge against protesters.In a video message on X, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader urged the government to "drop the arrogance and listen to the youth".
"The entire youth of the country has gathered in lakhs at Jantar Mantar. Instead of listening to them, the government is ordering lathi charges against them. You have stopped the internet in the area; they are being stopped from going towards Parliament. This is not right," Kejriwal said.
"I appeal to the government that these are our own country's children who have taken to the streets demanding justice, and then you resort to a lathi charge. Drop the arrogance and listen to them," he added.
Police Brutality Against Peaceful Protest March, Says Aaditya Thackeray
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray dubbed the BJP-led regime at the Centre "anti-India" for cracking down on protestors in New Delhi.
In a post on X, Thackeray said when the world sees images of the police brutality by the regime against a peaceful protest march, it will realise that India is no longer a democracy but captured by a regime.
Violence Against Peaceful Protesters Not Acceptable, Says DMK's Kanimozhi
DMK MP Kanimozhi said protest is the most democratic way to express opinion and violence against those who raise their voices is not acceptable.
Cockroach Party Accuses Delhi Police of Using Excessive Force
Opposition's hard talk came as the Cockroach Party accused the Delhi Police of using excessive force against protesters to prevent them from reaching Parliament, alleging that several students were injured and activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, was pushed around.
Cops Dismiss CJP's Allegations
Delhi Police, however, denied that Angmo was assaulted, saying the reports were "completely false and misleading". "No individuals were subjected to targeted assault," it said.
Oppn Demand Discussion in Parliament
Opposition parties protested over the NEET paper leak issue in Parliament and demanded a discussion, stalling proceedings on the opening day of the Monsoon session.
According to police sources, more than 50 police personnel and as many protesters were injured in clashes after CJP protesters allegedly pelted stones at the security personnel, prompting a lathi charge.
Over 100 protesters were detained and were moved to different police stations in Delhi, they said.
With inputs from PTI
