Rahul Gandhi Calls for Modi’s Apology, Ministers’ Resignation Over Student Protest
NEW DELHI: Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologize to students following the police action against demonstrators outside the prime minister’s residence.
In a video message released from a temporary detention center set up at Chhatrasal Stadium, Gandhi expressed full support for the student movement, saying their demands were “legitimate and justified.”
According to Gandhi, he had earlier met with the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and requested that the government initiate dialogue with the protesting students. However, the Speaker reportedly said he would need approval from the government before taking any action. Gandhi claimed this response indicated that the government was unwilling to engage with the protesters.
He said the opposition then decided to stage a demonstration outside Prime Minister Modi’s residence to draw national attention to what it described as serious issues facing India’s education system, including rising education costs and broader concerns over the quality of education.
Gandhi further stated that the protesting students are demanding the immediate resignation of India’s Education Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah. He also called for action against those responsible for the police baton charge on protesters and urged authorities to withdraw all legal cases filed against the students.
The Congress leader added that the opposition intends to raise the matter during the upcoming parliamentary session and press the government for answers. He urged Prime Minister Modi to apologize for the treatment of the protesters and to introduce meaningful reforms to improve India’s education system.
The protest follows the detention of Rahul Gandhi and several opposition leaders during demonstrations outside the prime minister’s residence. Police also used batons to disperse protesters, sparking criticism from opposition parties and student groups.