Mumbai, August 22: Sanjay Nirupam, spokesperson for Shiv Sena, has responded to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi‘s proposed visit to Pune and the controversy surrounding the inspection of a government school in Ramapura-Kanwarpura, Rajasthan. He accused Gandhi of attempting to gather a political crowd for his student event in Pune, emphasizing the need for systematic efforts to improve the condition of government schools rather than political activities. Regarding the pellet gun incident, he urged the police to conduct a legal investigation.
Nirupam stated that any leader, including Rahul Gandhi, can engage with the public, youth, and students in any city. However, he stressed that such interactions would only be meaningful if people voluntarily attend to listen. He alleged that students from Congress-affiliated schools and colleges in Pune are being prepared to attend the event. Additionally, he accused influencers of being allegedly paid to promote the event on social media to create a larger appearance. While such PR-driven events might provide Gandhi with a significant platform, he doubts it will yield political benefits for Congress.
On the incident involving the CJP team arriving at the government school in Ramapura-Kanwarpura and the alleged protests by villagers, Nirupam remarked that investigating the dilapidated state of government schools is not wrong and should be pursued. He suggested that before visiting any school or village, there should be communication and permission from local villagers, school management, teachers, or students. If an organization arrives unexpectedly without prior discussions, it may be perceived as a political activity, leading to protests. He advised that the incident should serve as a lesson for CJP, stating that merely visiting schools for dramatic political promotion will not improve the education system.
He highlighted that many states in the country face issues regarding the maintenance, infrastructure, and functioning of schools. To address these problems, Nirupam believes that governments should work at an institutional level, with support from both social and private sectors.
Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the Parliament Street police station with a student allegedly injured by a pellet gun, Nirupam raised questions. He noted that he had seen the related video, which shows Gandhi bringing a young man to the police station. It remains unclear whether this individual was involved in the student protest at Jantar Mantar or has any political background. He stressed the need for fact-checking in this matter. As the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi should inform the police about the case and request a fair investigation. The police can initiate an inquiry upon receiving a complaint, and if allegations are substantiated, an FIR can be filed according to the law.
Nirupam stated that demanding an immediate FIR without investigation is inappropriate. He insisted that the complaint should be examined and facts confirmed before any legal action is taken. He accused Gandhi of exerting political pressure, asserting that adherence to legal procedures is essential in a democratic system. Such political maneuvers could undermine Gandhi’s credibility and weaken public perception of Congress.
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