Rahul Gandhi defends Lok Kalyan Marg protest, says Opposition must join students on streets

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says that Opposition must stand with students after Parliament failed to discuss the alleged examination irregularities. File pic

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday defended the Congress' protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, saying the Opposition had a responsibility to stand with students protesting over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak after Parliament failed to take up the issue, news agency ANI reported.

Addressing a press conference, Gandhi said the Opposition first sought a discussion in Parliament by meeting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, but claimed no debate was allowed despite their request.

"If students across India are taking to the streets, the Opposition should also be on the streets. Parliament is our natural forum, but when discussion is denied, we have to raise the issue outside as well," Gandhi said.

The Congress-led Opposition staged a protest at Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday after demanding a debate on the alleged examination irregularities. Several leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, were detained by Delhi Police during the demonstration.

Reiterating the party's demands, Gandhi called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging he had become a "symbol" of failures in the education system and should be removed to restore students' confidence.

He also demanded accountability for the police action against protesters during the July 20 demonstrations, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi should apologise and action should be taken against officers accused of using excessive force.

Rahul Gandhi demands accountability, reforms in examination system

"The government wants to brush the issue under the carpet. We want accountability first, followed by reforms in the examination system," Gandhi said, adding that changes were needed to ensure transparency and fairness in competitive exams.

Congress workers continued protests in several states on Wednesday, condemning the alleged police crackdown on students and party leaders. Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was ready to hold a discussion in Parliament on the NEET paper leak and related issues.

(With inputs from ANI)