Rahul Gandhi Demands PM Modi Apologise Over Alleged Firing on Student Protesters in Bihar
The Congress leader accused the Centre of using force against student protesters and called for action against those responsible for the alleged violence.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday criticised the Central government over allegations that AK 47 rifles were used during police action against student protesters in Bihar. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise to students and ensure those responsible for the alleged violence are held accountable.
In a post on X, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha accused the government of failing to protect students and instead responding to protests with force.
Rahul claimed that reports suggested AK 47 rifles had been used against demonstrators in Bihar and that hundreds of students had been arrested and booked under police cases. He questioned the government’s earlier assurance that no cases would be filed against students and that those detained would be released.
Referring to recent student protests over alleged examination irregularities, Rahul said students in Delhi had faced pellet guns while those in Bihar were allegedly met with AK 47 fire. He added that similar incidents had taken place in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and Delhi, describing them as part of a broader pattern.
The Congress leader also accused the government of breaking its promises and attempting to silence students instead of addressing their concerns. He called on the Prime Minister to apologise to the students and take action against those responsible for the alleged attacks rather than targeting protesters.
The remarks came after left wing student organisations held demonstrations across Bihar on Saturday in support of a statewide bandh over the alleged NEET paper leak and police action against students. Some of the protests turned violent.
Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav alleged that police used AK 47 rifles during action against protesters in Siwan.
Earlier, during the Sansad Chalo march in Delhi on 20 July, organised to protest the alleged NEET paper leak, police and security personnel used batons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators, many of whom were students. The clashes left several protesters and police personnel injured.