Rahul Gandhi supports student protests in Jharkhand, addressing Generation Z

On the thirteenth day of student protests taking place at the Jayaprakash Singh Munda stadium in the state capital of Jharkhand, opposition leader in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, held a conversation with the protesters via audio call. This discussion lasted about three minutes.

During the conversation, the protest leader, Ravindra Paswan, presented his demands and those of other demonstrators to Rahul Gandhi. The communication between Rahul Gandhi and the students was facilitated through Congress Chairman in Ranchi, Kumar Raju. Rahul Gandhi listened carefully to the representatives of the protesters and assured them that their demands would be raised. He stated that all possible efforts would be made by his party to resolve the issues.

In the course of the conversation, Ravindra Paswan raised issues related to the circumstances of the student movement, as well as the role of the government. He noted that if the Jharkhand government does not show due seriousness regarding the protesters' demands, then the Congress should put pressure on the government. Paswan even conveyed to Rahul Gandhi that if the government does not agree to their demands, the Congress should consider withdrawing from the coalition.

The students also brought up the issue of the 'exam mafia'. After the conversation, Paswan reported that he had briefed Rahul Gandhi on the current situation of the protests in Ranchi. He emphasized that the problem of the flourishing 'exam mafia' in the state was also presented to him. According to Paswan, he told Rahul Gandhi that the Congress bears responsibility in the coalition government, so the party must clearly state its position in support of the students.

Paswan mentioned that Rahul Gandhi asked the students to send all their demands via WhatsApp. Rahul Gandhi promised to take these demands seriously and do everything possible on his part. The students also informed that Rahul Gandhi mentioned the possibility of speaking with the Chief Minister.

Ravindra Paswan stated that the students need more than just assurances. They insist that the protests will continue until concrete steps are taken to meet their demands. He also demanded that the Congress clarify whether it is on the side of the ruling party or on the side of the students. The protest leader stated that since the Congress is part of Hemant Soren's government, it bears the same responsibility as the Chief Minister.

He urged Rahul Gandhi to clearly state the Congress's position if the government does not take the students' demands seriously, and to side with the students. Paswan added that the students will convey their voice to the authorities, and the protests will continue until all demands are met. However, according to Paswan, only a promise from the Congress to seriously consider the students' demands has been received so far, and the protesters are not ready to stop the demonstrations based solely on such assurances; they await a firm decision from the government.

Regarding the meeting of the delegation, Paswan reported that he has not yet received official information from the administration regarding the conversation between the government and the protesters. He currently lacks clear information about the agreement, location, and time of this meeting. According to Ravindra Paswan, the students are awaiting an official notification from the administration, and the protests will continue until the negotiation process becomes clear.

The conversation with Rahul Gandhi amidst the student protests at the Jayaprakash Singh Munda stadium sparked political discussions. While the students expected explicit intervention from the Congress regarding their demands, Rahul Gandhi promised to review the demands sent via WhatsApp and negotiate with the government. Now, the focus of the protesters is on the government's next actions.

During the presentation of the book 'Vaikoo in Parliament' in Lok Sabha, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated: 'Who are these forgiving people? Our prime ministers say they forgive them. I do not know who these forgiving people are.'

Rahul Gandhi noted that the country is going through an unusual period where students are on the streets, experiencing severe difficulties. They demand justice in exams and in an educational system that truly works. At the same time, according to him, the Prime Minister forgives them.

He added that he does not understand where the idea came from in the Prime Minister's mind that he has the right to forgive the future of India, but emphasized that he wishes this. Criticizing the RSS, Rahul Gandhi stated that there is a very dangerous idea present in the thinking of the Prime Minister, his colleagues, and especially the RSS.

The presentation of the book Vaikoo took place at the Constitutional Club of India in Delhi. During the event, Rahul Gandhi highly praised Vaikoo, offering congratulations for his speeches and book. Gandhi noted that when evaluating any politician, consistency is most important to him—whether a person says one thing one day and something else another day. He stressed that Vaikoo has always remained true to his ideology, and their friendship has lasted a long time.

Mentioning Vaikoo's age, Rahul Gandhi observed that although he was called a young man, it was not mentioned that he was elegant and handsome. He asked who this young man is: is it the one who asks questions. Despite Vaikoo being 82 years old, he continues to ask questions, unlike some people.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Generation Z through a video on Instagram. In his address, he spoke about the desire to forgive the youth. PM Modi mentioned the incident at Jantar Mantar, which the entire country and world saw. He reported that some hooligans used indecent profanities that are unbecoming of a civilized society. He also mentioned that he and his late mother were pelted with garbage.

During the discussion of the bill to combat exam leaks in Lok Sabha, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the central government, raising questions about police actions during student protests at Jantar Mantar. He also criticized Home Minister Amit Shah and questioned the influence of the RSS.

Stance on Student Protests

Rahul Gandhi stated that the students' anger was justified, emphasizing that the country's youth deserve respect. He noted that there was no hatred or aggression in the demonstrations, only a deep expression of the feelings of the young generation that will build the country's future. The opposition leader called on all political parties, including allies from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to respect these sentiments.

Gandhi also mentioned a conversation with a young girl during the discussion, where he used the words 'student,' 'idiot,' and 'blind fanatic,' which caused outrage among representatives of the ruling party. After the word 'idiot' was removed from his speech, Gandhi began actively criticizing the government regarding exam leaks.

Accusations of Corruption and RSS Control

During the discussion, Gandhi leveled accusations that the country's education system is completely permeated by corruption. He asserted that the RSS exerts control over the education system by holding high positions. Gandhi stated that Dharmendra Pradhan never headed the Ministry of Education but was merely an RSS facade. He stressed that students dared to oppose the RSS, which he believes is an enemy of the students.

The opposition leader accused the RSS of trying to turn students into blind fanatics and insisted that students took to the streets to fight against this system. Gandhi also claimed that vice-chancellors linked to RSS ideology are appointed in the country's central universities, thereby capturing the education system and staging sabotage.

Accusations Against Amit Shah

Rahul Gandhi directed criticism towards Home Minister Amit Shah. He stated that the minister, who was absent from the session hall, ordered the firing on students but does not possess sufficient strength to be present at the debates. Gandhi accused the minister of ordering the firing on the students.

Following this statement, there was a commotion in the hall. The ruling party demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that Rahul Gandhi, as the opposition leader, should speak seriously. Rijiju demanded an apology for the accusations against the Home Minister, stating that Gandhi's comments were inappropriate. The Speaker also advised Rahul Gandhi not to make accusations without facts.