Jammu, July 28: Aditya Gupta, spokesperson for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has launched a verbal attack on the central government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the Supreme Court‘s decision to halt actions against protesting students, the government’s anti-paper leak bill, the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), and the recent incident of firing on protesters in Bihar with an AK-47. He accused the government of backtracking on its promises and failing to respect democratic rights.
Welcoming the Supreme Court’s ruling to stop actions against protesting students, Gupta called it a positive step. However, he claimed that there was already an agreement between the government and representatives of the protesters that no action would be taken against anyone involved in the movement. Participating in protests is a constitutional right for every citizen, and it is inappropriate to file FIRs or take action against individuals exercising this right.
Gupta alleged that despite the agreement, reports of protesters being detained in BJP-ruled states continue to emerge. He criticized the BJP for going back on its word, calling it shameful. In a democratic system, the government should accept criticism and respect people’s rights. The Supreme Court’s intervention in cases involving minors being detained indicates the seriousness of the situation, and the government should learn from this.
Regarding the central government’s anti-paper leak bill, the PDP spokesperson stated that the bill is merely a superficial measure. He claimed that the way Dharmendra Pradhan was welcomed in Parliament shows that the BJP is unwilling to take moral responsibility for the paper leak incidents. During a period when numerous leaks occurred, affecting the futures of millions of youth, accountability should have been established. Those responsible should have acknowledged their mistakes and made efforts to improve, but this has not happened. The bill is an attempt to divert attention from real issues.
On the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), Gupta expressed concern over the loss of lives anywhere in the world and emphasized the need to respect democratic processes. The PDP hopes for peace in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as across the Line of Control. Maintaining peace on both sides could develop Jammu and Kashmir into a crucial link between India and Central Asia. The party’s clear vision is for lasting peace in both parts of Kashmir.
Addressing the controversy surrounding an event organized by the CJP at a large hotel, Gupta criticized the BJP. He pointed out that those raising questions now were silent when students were on hunger strikes for days. This new generation is fighting democratically for its rights and has achieved significant success. The recurring paper leaks and irregularities in competitive exams have affected millions of students, making their protests natural. He accused the BJP of hypocrisy, asserting that such individuals have no moral right to question students.
Commenting on the incident of firing on protesters in Bihar, Gupta described it as extremely tragic for Indian democracy. He stated that actions against youth protesting for educational issues are contrary to democratic values. The image of the “new India” that was promised now appears concerning, and the government must protect democratic rights and the right to peaceful protest.
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