Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, launched a fresh protest on 21 August by sitting on a dharna outside the Sansad Marg Police Station in Delhi. This action follows a previous demonstration on 21 July outside the Prime Minister's residence, stemming from a student protest at Jantar Mantar nearly a month ago where police utilized lathicharge. Rahul Gandhi is demanding that an official FIR be registered regarding the alleged deployment of pellet guns against student protesters. The sudden sit-in has drawn severe criticism from senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, who questioned the intent and timing of the demonstration.
JP Nadda Termed Protest as Cheap Publicity Stunt
Union Health Minister JP Nadda launched a direct broadside against Rahul Gandhi, calling the sit-in a clear attempt at cheap distraction politics. Nadda stated that the entire country is witnessing the political desperation of the Congress party and its appetite for publicity. He pointed out that since the Supreme Court is actively investigating the matter, staging a televised sit-in outside a police station undermines judicial authority and asked whether Rahul Gandhi lacks faith in the highest court of the land.
Sharpening his critique, JP Nadda described Rahul Gandhi as a Camerajeevi who relies on media optics rather than parliamentary debate. Nadda asserted that the government was fully prepared to discuss every issue on the floor of Parliament, but the Opposition leader chose to walk away. According to Nadda, those who lack the courage to face debates inside Parliament resort to street tactics. He emphasized that the nation operates on constitutional and judicial norms rather than stubborn political displays.
Allegations of Diverting Focus from Vande Mataram Controversy
BJP leaders linked the timing of the protest to ongoing political debates surrounding the national song. BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad expressed disappointment, remarking that as Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi should practice democratic politics instead of lawlessness. Staging an unannounced sit-in at the Parliament Street Police Station, he argued, reflects an anarchic approach.
Both Ravi Shankar Prasad and JP Nadda alleged that the Congress party finds itself cornered nationwide over its stance on 'Vande Mataram'. Facing public scrutiny and embarrassment on the issue, the BJP leaders claimed that Rahul Gandhi created this police station spectacle primarily to divert public and media attention away from the Congress party's political vulnerability.
Smriti Irani Criticizes Stance Against Security Forces
Former Union Minister Smriti Irani condemned the demonstration, highlighting what she termed a recurring pattern in Rahul Gandhi's political conduct. She noted that Rahul Gandhi is sitting outside a police station seeking an FIR against the country's paramilitary personnel. Irani pointed out that questioning the integrity and actions of security forces who protect the nation's integrity is not new for the Congress leader.
Praful Patel Highlights Government Sensitivity to Youth Concerns
Offering a broader political perspective, NCP Working President Praful Patel acknowledged that protesting is a fundamental right in a free democratic nation. However, he emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains deeply attentive and sensitive to the issues affecting young people, having taken concrete measures to address their demands.
Praful Patel noted that the government has consistently demonstrated its responsiveness to public sentiment. He cited the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as a major step demonstrating administrative accountability and seriousness toward youth issues, suggesting that political protests should not overlook the government's constructive actions.
