A day after Congress leaders staged a protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence over the alleged NEET paper leak, Rahul Gandhi released a video message on X, calling it his “direct message to the students of India and the Prime Minister.”
Explaining why the party chose to protest, Rahul said the Opposition had first sought a discussion in Parliament but claimed the government was not interested in taking up the matter.
“This morning I met the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and told him that it was important that we be allowed to debate what happened to the students. The previous day, the Speaker had said he needed to take permission from the government. But it became very clear to us in the hours that followed that the government had no interest in holding a debate,” he said.
He added, “So, we took a decision, that we will stage a protest in front of Prime Minister’s house and get the students’ issues to national attention.”
Rahul Gandhi raises questions on India’s education system
In his message, Rahul Gandhi questioned the functioning of the country’s education system and linked it to the concerns raised by students.
“Why is the Indian education system collapsing? Why are papers leaking? Why is education so expensive in India? Why do families have to financially ruin themselves to educate their children? These are legitimate questions, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking them,” he said.
He also alleged that cases had been filed against students and asserted that the Opposition was standing with them.
“The students’ demands are, firstly, the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and HM Amit Shah. Secondly, action should be taken against those who have beaten and humiliated the students, and all the cases against the students should be withdrawn. Finally, the entire opposition wants that there should be a debate on this tomorrow in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on this issue…” Rahul said.
Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly, he added, “The entire Opposition stands with the students. We want reforms in the examination and education systems. We will continue to fight for your voice and your future.”
Congress leaders detained during protest
The statement came after Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi were detained while leading a protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence. They were later released.
Also Read | Rahul Gandhi leads protest outside PM Modi’s residence, says ‘Voice of India’s students will not be ignored’
During the demonstration, Congress leaders tied plastic bands around their hands and raised slogans demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. The protest was organised to press for accountability and to highlight the Opposition’s demand for a parliamentary debate on the issue.
FAQs:
Why did Rahul Gandhi protest outside the PM residence?
Rahul Gandhi said Congress protested because the government allegedly refused to allow a Parliament debate on the NEET paper leak.
What were Rahul Gandhi’s demands over the NEET paper leak?
Rahul Gandhi demanded a parliamentary debate, action against those accused of assaulting students, withdrawal of cases against students, and the resignations of Dharmendra Pradhan and Amit Shah.
