Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has reached out to a student who was reportedly injured by AK-47 fire during a protest in Patna, Bihar. In a telephonic conversation, the Congress leader asserted that the government can't suppress the voices of students through the use of sticks and AK-47 bullets. He emphasized that the struggle for justice, education, and the fundamental rights of students will continue under all circumstances. This interaction comes in the wake of serious allegations regarding the use of high-caliber weapons against protesting students in the state capital.
Support from Street to Parliament
During the phone call, Rahul Gandhi inquired about the health and well-being of the injured student, identified as Akash Yadav. The Congress leader provided words of encouragement and assured the student that he stands firmly with them in their fight for justice. Gandhi promised that he would represent the students' cause with full strength, both on the streets and within the halls of Parliament. He reiterated his stance that the government's attempt to silence the youth through force wouldn't succeed, stating that the movement for educational reform and student rights is unstoppable.
The Role of NSUI in the Interaction
The conversation was facilitated by the National President of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), Vinod Jakhar. On Tuesday, Jakhar visited the injured student, Akash Yadav, to check on his recovery following the police action during a protest against paper leaks, while during this visit, the NSUI President connected Akash Yadav with Rahul Gandhi over the phone, allowing the student to share his ordeal directly with the senior Congress leader. The protest in Patna, which was described as a peaceful movement against paper leaks, turned violent following police intervention.
Sharp Attack on the Modi Government
Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Modi government regarding the allegations of AK-47 rifles being used against student protesters in Bihar. He demanded an immediate apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the student community. On top of that, Gandhi called for strict action against those responsible for the alleged attacks, while he accused the central government of betraying the trust of the students, stating that instead of honoring the assurances given to them, the administration resorted to brutal force to crush the demonstrations.
Allegations of Brutality and Broken Promises
In a detailed post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Rahul Gandhi described the entire system as being "murderous" towards students, while he highlighted reports emerging from Bihar suggesting that AK-47 rifles were used to fire upon students and that hundreds had been arrested with FIRs registered against them. Gandhi questioned the Prime Minister on his previous promises, asking what happened to the assurance that no FIRs would be filed against students and that they would be released. Instead of those promises being kept, Gandhi alleged that students are facing life-threatening attacks and barbarism.
A Pattern of Suppression Across States
Referring to recent protests over paper leaks, Rahul Gandhi pointed out what he described as a consistent pattern of suppression by the government. He noted that while pellet guns were used against students in Delhi, AK-47s were allegedly used in Bihar. He stated that whether it's Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, or Delhi, the same pattern of silencing dissent is visible everywhere. Gandhi labeled the government as "dishonest" and claimed that reform is beyond its capability. He concluded by saying that the administration would continue to backpedal on its promises and use every possible tactic to suppress the voice of the youth.