New Delhi, August 24: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi has criticized the BJP’s ‘One Nation, One Election‘ agenda while expressing support for Rahul Gandhi’s efforts to engage with students. She emphasized that protesting students have a constitutional right to voice their demands and advocated for reforms in reservation policies.
In an interview with a news agency regarding comments made by Union Minister Chirag Paswan on reservation, Chaturvedi stated, “I agree that dialogue is essential. I have always believed in the importance of discussion. If a system is in place, is everyone benefiting from it? Look at the OBC and SC communities; when reservations are provided, do all sections of those groups benefit equally? It is valid to ask this question.”
Chirag Paswan remarked that reservation is not a charity but a fundamental constitutional right of the citizens.
Responding to statements made by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Chaturvedi questioned, “I don’t know on what authority the Deputy Chief Minister is making this statement. As everyone knows, he sits in the Uttar Pradesh government without any real power. I have never seen him raise his voice on UGC guidelines or any other guidelines. Now he says, ‘We will talk.’ Who will he talk to? And I want to ask, can anyone protest at Jantar Mantar, or can only a select few protest there?”
The police have denied permission for protests at Jantar Mantar concerning the reservation reform movement. In response, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak stated that he would present the matter to the central government.
On the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, Chaturvedi remarked, “This cannot just be an NDA plan, right? In a democracy, there is both a ruling party and an opposition. There is an Election Commission, a security framework, and a complete electoral system. If the NDA says it must be done and just does it, what kind of democracy is that? When a committee has been formed and a report is being prepared, how can they propose such a plan? This is yet another attempt to divert attention.”
She highlighted that the country faces several pressing issues. “First, there was a controversy over Vande Mataram, and now the NEET paper has to be re-administered. The public is troubled by the sugar shortage. The biggest issue is unemployment.”
Supporting Rahul Gandhi’s dialogue with students, Chaturvedi stated that it is a very important subject. “There must be a segment that understands the pain and struggles of students. Anyone who speaks for the interests of the student community should be ready to support and welcome that.”
Leave a Comment