New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi met students and young people from Bihar who, according to him, were injured during police action against protests over alleged irregularities in the examination system.
Gandhi accused the authorities of using excessive force against students who were demanding fair opportunities, a transparent examination system and protection of their rights.
In a post on social media, he alleged that several students were injured by police batons and gunfire, including firing involving AK-47 rifles and pistols. He questioned the need for such force against young people raising demands related to examinations and recruitment.
Rahul Gandhi Assures Support to Protesters
Gandhi said the Congress would continue to stand with the affected students and youth, regardless of the actions taken by the Bihar government.
He warned that any government seeking to suppress the voice of young people would ultimately have to answer to the people.
The controversy follows an incident in Siwan, where a police constable reportedly fired four rounds from an AK-47 while caught in a crowd during a student protest. The Bihar government has told the Supreme Court that no protesters were injured in the firing, while the constable involved has been suspended.
Gandhi’s meeting with the students has brought the issue of alleged examination irregularities and the police response back into the political spotlight, with opposition parties demanding accountability and greater transparency in the examination system.