New Delhi (TPW): Congress General Secretary and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the police action against students protesting at Jantar Mantar and the alleged action against Congress leaders near the Prime Minister’s residence, saying the larger issue was the treatment of students and their concerns.
Reacting to the incidents, Priyanka Gandhi said, “What happened to us is irrelevant, but what happened to the students—is that right or wrong?”
She said that the students were raising legitimate demands and seeking reforms in the system. According to her, repeated paper leak incidents and the government’s inability to provide employment opportunities were damaging the future of the country’s youth.
Highlighting the importance of democratic rights, Priyanka Gandhi said that peaceful protest is a fundamental part of democracy and cannot be considered undemocratic.
She alleged that the manner in which students were being treated on the streets and issues were being handled inside Parliament reflected a decline in democratic functioning. She also claimed that the Opposition was not being allowed to raise public issues in the House.
“We are against violence. This is the ideology of our party and our nation. Mahatma Gandhi fought for freedom through a unique movement where there was no violence,” she said.
Priyanka Gandhi alleged that students were subjected to harsh police action and said that the youth, who had supported the government through their votes, now felt disappointed and betrayed.
She added that it was the responsibility of the Opposition to stand with students, raise their concerns, and continue the fight to protect democratic values.
“Our duty is to stand with them, raise our voice for them, and fight for our democracy. And we will do it,” Priyanka Gandhi said.