New Delhi, July 21: Union Minister and leader of the Republican Party of India (A), Ramdas Athawale, criticized the Delhi police’s use of force against protesters during the ‘Parliament Chalo’ march on Tuesday. He emphasized that while the police were performing their duties, the baton charge on the demonstrators was unjustified. He also urged the protesters to exercise restraint.
On Monday, a large group of students, led by the ‘Cockroach Public Party’ (CJP), attempted to march to Parliament demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak that occurred on May 3.
Speaking outside the Parliament building, Athawale stated that police had to act as the protesters were trying to reach Parliament. However, he insisted that a baton charge should not have occurred. When students were stopped near the Rail Bhawan, they should have limited their protest to that area.
He remarked, “They attempted to reach Parliament, which led to the baton charge. However, I believe that should not have happened. The students faced significant difficulties.”
Referring to a meeting between the CJP delegation and Union Minister JP Nadda, he said, “The meeting should yield some resolution. We have also participated in many protests; this should be contained.”
He reiterated that the baton charge against the protesters was inappropriate.
When asked about Prime Minister Modi’s remarks on the NEET paper leak during the NDA’s ‘Mangal Milan’ program, he noted that the Prime Minister stated that the situation was unacceptable and that millions of students faced hardships. Those responsible for the leak have been apprehended and should face severe punishment.
Athawale added, “He mentioned that it is the responsibility of both the central and state governments, along with their administrations, to ensure such incidents do not occur during examinations.”
He affirmed that the government stands with the ‘youth power’. “We are in government because of the youth. What Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, is saying is baseless. The government will take steps to prevent future incidents like paper leaks.”
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