Guwahati, 11 August (HS): Assam Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika on Tuesday strongly condemned the alleged police action against students protesting peacefully in Ranchi over their demands for justice and an impartial probe into alleged irregularities in Jharkhand Public Service Commission examinations.

Addressing a press conference at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati, Hazarika alleged that the Congress-Jharkhand Mukti Morcha government used force against unarmed students, including tear gas, lathi-charge and water cannons. He also alleged that barbed-wire barricades were erected to prevent the protesters from moving forward.

Hazarika accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and those who claim to champion students' rights of remaining silent over the alleged treatment of the protesting students in Jharkhand. He said the BJP stood firmly with the youth and student community of Jharkhand and urged the state government to immediately address their demands.

‘Rahul Gandhi Must Answer’

Hazarika alleged that students and youths protesting against alleged recruitment irregularities and question-paper leaks were subjected to brutal action. Questioning Rahul Gandhi's silence, he asked why the Congress leader, who frequently raises issues concerning students in Delhi, had not visited Jharkhand to meet the affected protesters.

The Assam minister accused the Congress of adopting double standards and using issues for political gains. He demanded that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress apologise to the country's youth over what he described as political hypocrisy.

‘Rahul Gandhi, Don't Run Away From Debate’

Hazarika also attacked Rahul Gandhi over the ongoing political confrontation in Parliament. He alleged that Gandhi had repeatedly changed his demands over the past 15 days and was disrupting parliamentary proceedings instead of seeking a meaningful debate.

According to Hazarika, Gandhi initially demanded the resignation of the Education Minister and later sought a discussion on NEET and other issues. He said the Centre had agreed to discussions and had also strengthened laws against question-paper leaks.

Hazarika further alleged that the Opposition was preventing Parliament from functioning despite assurances from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister Piyush Goyal that the Union Home Minister would respond to questions on the floor of the House.

The Assam minister claimed that Rahul Gandhi was allegedly avoiding a debate because the government's response could expose what he described as misinformation being spread by the Congress leader.

Hazarika asserted that the country's youth were increasingly understanding what he termed the Congress's double standards and said Rahul Gandhi's politics would soon face rejection by the people.

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash