Oppn to press for PM apology, debate on police action
NEW DELHI, JUL 26 (AGENCIES): Congress-led opposition is set to step up its attack on the government in Parliament over the alleged police brutality against protesting students, demanding action against those responsible and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The opposition’s strategy for the second week of the Monsoon Session, including its stand on the proposed amendment to the anti-paper leak law, will be finalised at an INDIA bloc meeting in Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge’s chamber on Monday. As Parliament reconvenes, both sides are preparing for another confrontation, with the opposition planning to corner the Centre over the alleged assault on students and the government expected to defend itself by highlighting recent reform measures.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding accountability for what he called the “barbaric assault” on peacefully protesting students and asking whether the use of “lethal force”, including pellet guns, had been authorised.
In his letter, Gandhi said peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and the government must protect protesters and address their grievances through dialogue. “Such brutal violence destroys every norm and has outraged the country. Youth and students, the future of our country, are demanding answers and accountability. Their voice will be heard,” he said.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said Gandhi had asked Shah whether he had authorised the use of pellet guns and other force against students, and whether plainclothes men seen assaulting protesters were police personnel or volunteers and who had deployed them. Ramesh said Shah must answer these questions in Parliament and reiterated the demand for the Prime Minister to apologise.
The Trinamool Congress also sought a discussion in Parliament. Rajya Sabha deputy leader Sagarika Ghose submitted a Rule 267 notice seeking suspension of business to debate what she termed the excessive use of force against students protesting the NEET issue. She said the right to peaceful protest was constitutional and alleged that security forces had used “lethal and semi-lethal force”.
BJP party leader Mrityunjay Tiwari accused the Congress of exploiting the issue for political gain, saying the Modi government remained committed to protecting students’ interests.
BJP leader P.V.N. Madhav also criticised Gandhi, saying he was frustrated despite the Centre addressing students’ concerns. He defended Modi’s decision to seek Pradhan’s resignation, calling it a “magnanimous move” that demonstrated solidarity with the student community.