Rahul Gandhi condemns police action against CJP protesters, says 'tear-gassing students is not India's way'
The Congress leader criticised the use of tear gas and baton charges against Cockroach Janta Party protesters demanding reforms in India’s education system.
Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised police action against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters in New Delhi, saying the use of tear gas and baton charges against students demanding their rights is neither democratic nor reflective of India's values.
According to NDTV, Delhi Police fired tear gas and used baton charges on Monday as CJP protesters attempted to march towards Parliament demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in major examinations, including question paper leaks and technical problems.
"There is absolutely nothing wrong in what they (youth) are doing, and it is disgusting what the government is doing, what the police are doing. This is absolutely no way to behave. Tear-gassing students, lathicharging students is not democratic, is not India's way," Gandhi said in a video message.
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The Leader of Opposition also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being the "most anti-youth prime minister" and shared videos showing the alleged police crackdown during the protest.
Gandhi said the protesters were not criminals but young people demanding a fair and functioning education system.
"Boys and girls who are walking the streets of Delhi are not criminals, they are demanding their rights. Their rights are to have an education system that respects them, to have an education system that's fair, to have an education system that's working," he said.
CJP demands action over education system
The CJP-led protest has gained significant attention on social media since its launch in May, with the group highlighting concerns over India's education system and youth unemployment.
The protest followed activist Sonam Wangchuk being taken to hospital on Saturday, ending his 21-day hunger strike in support of students and the CJP movement.
Questioning the police response, the CJP said in a post on X, "Is this a war zone? Why is the police resorting to tear gas assault on peaceful protesters?"
Police said they had not granted permission for the protest march and imposed restrictions in parts of central New Delhi. Internet services were also reportedly suspended in some areas.
CJP delegation meets JP Nadda
The CJP said two of its leaders met Union Minister JP Nadda after the government reached out to them and submitted a letter outlining their demands.
Nadda confirmed the meeting, saying discussions took place in a "cordial atmosphere".
"This morning, for the first time, a proposal came from the protesters to hold talks with the government. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere," Nadda said in a post on X.
He added that the protesters submitted a written petition and urged them to end their sit-in to help restore normalcy.
The protesters have demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the release of Sonam Wangchuk, and compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide.
