Prayagraj, August 8: Congress leader Akhilesh Pratap Singh has targeted the BJP government during Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Echo of Students’ program in Prayagraj. He addressed issues related to education and examination systems, paper leaks, and the student protests in Jharkhand, while also commenting on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath‘s flower shower for Kanwariyas.
In an interview, Singh stated that Rahul Gandhi has consistently raised concerns about students’ futures over the past 5-6 years. He criticized the BJP’s education and examination policies, claiming they do not benefit all students equally. Ongoing flaws in the examination system and incidents of paper leaks have left students distressed. They are repeatedly affected by the examination process and its challenges. Despite Gandhi’s persistent efforts to highlight these issues, the government has failed to take necessary actions. When the government does not deliver justice to students, Gandhi steps in as their voice.
Singh emphasized that the ‘Echo of Students’ program is part of this ongoing campaign. Over the last 5-6 years, the Congress party has organized protests in more than 100 locations nationwide concerning student interests. The event in Prayagraj is also aimed at raising awareness about student issues and their rights.
Regarding the posters put up by the BJP concerning student protests in Jharkhand, Singh urged governments to engage in dialogue with protesting students. He questioned whether the government had used police force, barricades, or pellet guns against students during their demonstrations, or labeled them as terrorists or linked them to foreign funding. He noted that discussions had occurred at both the administrative and chief ministerial levels in Jharkhand, which he regarded as a proper democratic approach.
Singh asserted that whether in Jharkhand or Karnataka, governments and chief ministers should listen to students’ concerns. Students want their voices heard, their problems understood, and solutions provided. They represent the future of any nation. Neglecting their future equates to jeopardizing the country’s future.
The Congress leader accused the BJP of attempting to discredit those who oppose the government and its movements. He remarked that protests by students, farmers, and other groups existed even before Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, and there was no tradition of linking every protest to foreign funding. The government should listen to the protesters and address their issues instead of vilifying them. This is also a part of Rahul Gandhi’s political agenda, which is why he is reaching out to students.
On the issue of paper leaks, Singh responded to Congress leader Shashi Tharoor’s comments, stating that Tharoor is mistaken and needs to enhance his understanding. He claimed that Rahul Gandhi was the first to raise the issue prominently after the CBSE paper leaks in 2018, questioning the need for reforms in the education and examination systems. In recent months, Congress and NSUI have organized various protests concerning student-related issues. In Parliament, Gandhi and the opposition have pressured the government on these matters.
He noted that the voices of students have been raised from the streets to Parliament, and this pressure compelled the government to take action. Singh attributed the government’s response to the issues concerning students to the role played by Rahul Gandhi and the opposition.
Singh also commented on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s flower shower for Kanwariyas, suggesting that the government should show similar sensitivity towards students. He sarcastically remarked that if flowers are showered on Kanwariyas, the same should be done for students, as they are also part of the nation and are voicing their demands. Instead of addressing students’ issues, the government often takes action against institutions, coaching centers, and hostels following protests. He questioned who will listen to the students’ concerns. There is a pressing need to understand students’ demands and find solutions in their interest. The government’s role should not be to suppress or discredit students but to resolve their issues.
Leave a Comment