New Delhi [India], July 27 (ANI): Congress leader Pawan Khera on Monday pushed back against the Central Government over its handling of nationwide student demonstrations regarding exam paper leaks.
Addressing media in New Delhi, Khera slammed the Centre for refusing discussion on police action against young protesters. Pointing to the firing in Siwan, Bihar, where an AK-47 was reportedly used against students, Khera said the Opposition has been demanding that Home Minister Amit Shah personally respond in the Rajya Sabha.
He said the impasse in Parliament exists because the administration is refusing to engage with student grievances flagged by the Opposition.
Khera said, “We once again tried to raise our voice in the Rajya Sabha against the brutal attacks being carried out on the youth across the country, which are continuing even today. Even today, AK-47s were used in Bihar.”
Outlining the Opposition’s demand, Khera said the Home Minister should come to Parliament and respond to the concerns raised by students, alleging that the government was not listening to their voices.
“Our demand is very clear: the Home Minister must come to the House and make a statement. The voice of the students, which is being raised through the Opposition, must be heard. But the government is not listening. That is why Parliament could not function again,” he said.
Khera claimed that the Opposition had received reports from states including West Bengal and Bihar of police brutality against the youth.
Khera further said, “Our demand remains the same. The attack that began on the 20th is continuing even today across the country. We are receiving reports from West Bengal, Bihar and several other states that the police are using extreme brutality against the youth.”
“The youth of the country deserve answers. The Home Minister must be held accountable,” he added.
Referring to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s social media post, Khera said, “That is what we said. Rahul ji also tweeted about this and posted on social media this morning, saying that the way AK-47s were used in Siwan has never been seen in this country before.”
He said the Home Minister should come to the House, make a statement and apologise.
“The responsibility lies with the government. The government must find a solution. The way forward is clear: the Home Minister should come to the House, make a statement, apologise, and clarify who will take responsibility for the use of pellet guns,” he said.
“There are several issues before Parliament, one after another. But the primary issue at the moment is the police action and the continuing attacks on the youth,” Khera added. (ANI)
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