Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday intensified his attack on the Centre over the handling of student protests linked to the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to students and ensure action against those responsible for the alleged use of excessive force during demonstrations in Bihar and Delhi.
The Congress leader alleged that students protesting against examination irregularities were subjected to harsh police action instead of being heard.
Rahul Gandhi Targets Centre
In a post on X, Gandhi accused the government of failing to honour its assurances to student protesters and questioned its approach to handling the agitation.
“The entire system is downright murderous against students. Reports are coming in that AK-47s have been fired at protesting students in Bihar, and hundreds have been arrested and booked under FIRs,” Gandhi said.
Referring to earlier assurances regarding student protesters, he added:
“Modi ji, what happened to your promise that no FIRs would be filed against students and that they would be released? Instead, they are being subjected to deadly attacks and brutality.”
Claims of Similar Pattern Across States
The Congress MP alleged that police action against student protesters reflected a broader pattern across multiple states.
“Pellet guns were used against students in Delhi, and AK-47s in Bihar. Whether it is Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, or Delhi — the pattern is the same everywhere,” Gandhi said.
He further accused the government of failing to deliver meaningful reforms in the examination system.
“I have said it before: this government is dishonest. Reform is beyond its capability. It will renege on its promises and use every tactic to suppress the students’ voices,” he said.
Demands Accountability
Calling for accountability, Gandhi urged the Prime Minister to apologise to students and initiate action against those allegedly responsible for the police action instead of targeting protesters.
His remarks come as Opposition parties continue to press for an immediate discussion in Parliament on the alleged use of force against students protesting over the NEET paper leak and examination-related issues.
Protests Witnessed in Bihar and Delhi
Student demonstrations were held across Bihar during a statewide bandh organised by Left-backed student organisations over the alleged examination irregularities and police action. Some protests turned violent, with allegations emerging that security personnel used AK-47 rifles during clashes in Siwan.
Similar confrontations had earlier taken place during the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march in Delhi, where police used batons and tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to move towards Parliament. The clashes left several protesters and police personnel injured and sparked a nationwide political debate over the handling of student demonstrations.
