Rahul Gandhi Warns PM Modi Against Blocking Student Protesters

Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to stand in the way of protesting students, calling them the voice of India. Mr. Gandhi made the remarks at 10 Janpath after meeting with injured students, including members of the Congress youth wing NSUI, who participated in recent demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise. He reiterated that action will be taken against everyone involved in police action, ranging from the Prime Minister to the police constable.

Student Accounts And Warning

During the interaction, some protesting students described the inhuman treatment they faced during detention, claiming police hit them in private parts and used abuses to teach them a lesson. Addressing the police personnel, Mr. Gandhi advised students to record videos as evidence and send them to the party so that justice can be pursued later. One injured student played Mahatma Gandhi's favorite hymn on the flute during the gathering and stated that hatred would be answered with love.

Context

Student wings of political parties often mobilize demonstrations on university and national issues, frequently leading to friction with law enforcement agencies during detentions. Political leaders frequently use such platforms to rally support and challenge ruling administrations on accountability.