BJP, Cong spar over Rahul’s demand for accountability in police action on protesting students

New Delhi: The BJP and Congress engaged in a sharp political exchange on Sunday after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi sought accountability for the police action against students protesting over the NEET paper leaks and other examination-related irregularities in Delhi on July 20.

While the BJP accused Gandhi of attempting to incite unrest for political gains, the Congress asserted that the issue would be raised in Parliament.

The latest political confrontation came after Rahul Gandhi wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding accountability for the alleged assault on students who had gathered in the national capital on July 20 to protest against the NEET paper leak and other examination-related issues.

Responding to Gandhi’s letter, BJP leader Mrityunjay Tiwari accused the Congress of trying to exploit the issue for political purposes rather than genuinely standing with students.

Speaking to IANS, Tiwari said, “They did not do anything for the youth till recently. Now, they raised their voice just to incite agitation. They do not really care about the students. However, the Modi government has ensured that no one can commit any wrongdoing when it comes to the students, who are the future of this nation.”

BJP leader P. V. N. Madhav also criticised Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader was frustrated despite the Centre taking steps to address concerns related to students.

Speaking to IANS, Madhav said, “Rahul Gandhi has completely turned mad. PM Narendra Modi has shown a magnanimous move by asking our Education Minister to resign. It’s a great move because everybody thought otherwise, but PM Narendra Modi never thinks the unthinkable. So, he has done what was needed and has shown solidarity with the entire student community that he stands with them.”

He further claimed that the Opposition was continuing its criticism despite the government’s actions.

“However, in spite of all these things, the Opposition and Rahul Gandhi have shown their true face. His frustration is evident because PM Narendra Modi is winning people’s hearts,” he added.

The Congress, however, defended Rahul Gandhi’s demand and maintained that questions surrounding the police action against the protesting students deserved answers. The party also said it would raise the matter during the ongoing Parliament session.

Speaking to IANS, Congress Rajya Sabha member Praveen Chakravarty questioned the use of force against the students and sought an explanation from the authorities.

“Should we not? We should, shouldn’t we? Is it right to fire pellet guns at students? Who gave the authority to do so, and on what basis? What harm did the students cause? Why were they fired upon? Why were weapons used against them? And why has no other political leader spoken out against this? Rahul Gandhi has raised the right questions. We will certainly raise this issue in Parliament,” Chakravarty said.

IANS