Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has launched a scathing attack on the Central Government, specifically targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the recent use of force against students. During a press conference, the Congress leader raised serious questions regarding the security measures and the orders given to the police during student demonstrations in Delhi. Rahul Gandhi demanded that Amit Shah come forward and clarify who authorized the violent crackdown on the youth, which reportedly involved the use of pellet guns and spiked sticks.
The Core Question on Delhi Protests
Rahul Gandhi emphasized that the primary issue isn't whether Amit Shah is willing to speak on general topics in Parliament, but rather his accountability for the actions taken against students. He stated that the Home Minister must clarify who gave the order to fire upon the youth in Delhi. According to the Congress leader, students were subjected to brutal treatment, including being beaten with sticks that had nails or spikes attached to them. He questioned whether the Home Minister himself had issued these orders or if they were carried out without his knowledge.
Demands for Resignation and Accountability
The Leader of the Opposition presented a stern ultimatum to the Home Minister, while he argued that if Amit Shah had indeed ordered the firing and the lathi charge on the children, then he's guilty of the act. Conversely, if the Home Minister was unaware of such a significant event occurring under his jurisdiction, then he's incompetent. Rahul Gandhi asserted that in either scenario, Amit Shah should step down from his position, while he further demanded that the Prime Minister should apologize for the incidents that have transpired, highlighting a lack of courage in both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to face the opposition in Parliament.
Allegations Regarding Ram Mandir and Other Issues
Beyond the student protests, Rahul Gandhi raised two other significant points, while he alleged that there has been theft in the Ram Mandir, claiming that individuals very close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were involved. He insisted that the Prime Minister must provide an answer to these allegations, while these three issues—the crackdown on students, the demand for an apology, and the alleged theft at the Ram Mandir—form the basis of the opposition's current stance. Rahul Gandhi dismissed Amit Shah's recent willingness to speak in Parliament as a distraction, stating that the opposition isn't interested in fabricated stories but in concrete answers regarding the safety of the nation's youth.
Stance on Jharkhand Student Protests
Addressing the situation in Jharkhand, where students have also been protesting, Rahul Gandhi maintained a consistent stand against the use of force. He stated that the use of power against students in Jharkhand is wrong and that the state government should listen to their grievances. He emphasized that students have a fundamental right to peaceful protest and that every problem can and should be resolved through dialogue. He urged the Jharkhand government to immediately address the issues raised by the students and find a swift resolution without resorting to violence.
Government Response and Counter-Attack
In response to Rahul Gandhi's allegations, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju countered the claims. Rijiju stated that Rahul Gandhi shouldn't make allegations and then avoid the discussion. He maintained that the Home Minister is ready to provide a response in the House and that in a democracy, the opposition shouldn't run away after making accusations. The government expressed its readiness to discuss the matter in the House over the coming days, insisting that the Home Minister's full statement must be heard by all members of Parliament.