Tuesday witnessed unprecedented drama, dharna and detentions as the Opposition upped the ante against the government over the crackdown on student protesters.
The day ended with the Leader of Opposition placing five demands before the Centre, setting the stage for continued political confrontation in Parliament on Wednesday.
Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused the government of exploiting students and demanded the resignations of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Home Minister Amit Shah over the NEET paper leak controversy.
Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and several Congress leaders were detained by Delhi Police during a sit-in outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg and later released.
Rahul Gandhi was taken to Chhatrasal Stadium while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was taken to Mandir Marg police station. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi visited Priyanka at the police station. Both siblings were released around 9 pm.
While in detention, Rahul Gandhi released a video statement listing five demands from the government:
- Resignations of Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Â
- Action against police who assaulted students on Monday and withdrawal of cases against students.Â
- Apology from the Prime Minister for Monday’s crackdown.Â
- Discussion on the issue in Parliament.Â
- Education and exam reforms at the earliest.Â
Questioning the state of the education system, LoP Rahul Gandhi asked: “Why is the Indian education system collapsing? Why are papers leaking? Why is education so expensive in India? Why do families have to destroy themselves financially to educate their children? These are legitimate questions, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking them.”
He added that the entire Opposition wanted the issue debated in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
Thanking supporters, he said: “To everyone fighting together for the cause of the students, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
