Rahul Gandhi Questions PM, Bihar CM Over Student Injuries in Protest Crackdown
Rahul Gandhi attacked PM Modi and Bihar CM over police firing on student protesters, questioning if their shattered dreams can be restored.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary over the police action against student protesters in the state. Sharing a video of his recent interaction with injured students, Mr. Gandhi alleged that the protesters were subjected to severe police brutality for demanding reforms in the examination system.
In a post on social media, Mr. Gandhi recounted the injuries suffered by the students, stating that one aspirant's leg bone was shattered by an AK-47 bullet, ending his dream of joining the army. He also mentioned that two other students sustained bullet injuries to their shoulders. The Congress leader questioned what crime the students had committed, noting that their only demands were for education, employment, and accountability.
Mr. Gandhi emphasised that the students were not criminals but children from poor families who had gone out to study, carrying the aspirations of their households. "The bullet wounds will heal, but where is the hospital that treats the fear that has now settled deep inside these children?" he asked, directly challenging the Prime Minister and Chief Minister to consider whether they could restore the shattered dreams of the youth.
The protest in Bihar, which began in early August, has seen job aspirants clash with police while attempting to march towards the Chief Minister's residence. The demonstrators are demanding a single-tier teacher job examination and a more transparent recruitment process. The agitation has drawn support from opposition leaders, including RJD's working president Tejashwi Yadav.
During his meeting with the students on Thursday, Mr. Gandhi had warned that any regime suppressing the voice of young people would eventually have to answer to the public. He asserted that the government cannot evade responsibility for the violence by blaming low-ranking officials, suggesting the action was either ordered from above or indicated a complete administrative failure. He reiterated his solidarity with the students, offering them every possible assistance.