Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal launched a strong attack on the Narendra Modi-led central government on Tuesday over the police action against students participating in the Cockroach Janta Party’s Parliament march in New Delhi.
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal condemned the use of batons and tear gas against the protesters. He claimed that even the British colonial government would not have treated Indian students in such a harsh manner. The former Delhi chief minister accused the Centre of attempting to suppress young people instead of listening to their concerns.
Kejriwal had announced earlier in the morning that he would address the media at 11 am against what he described as the Modi government’s “crackdown on students.” He also said he would visit Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital to meet those injured during the protest.
Thousands of students and supporters of the youth-led CJP movement had attempted to march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament on Monday. The demonstrators were demanding major reforms in the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over repeated allegations of question-paper leaks. Police stopped the march using barricades, tear gas and baton charges, leading to violent clashes. Nearly 180 protesters and police personnel were reportedly injured.
During the press conference, Kejriwal also announced a helpline for students affected by the violence or facing pressure related to examinations and educational institutions. He said AAP workers would assist injured protesters and extend legal and other necessary support to students.
The police action has drawn criticism from several opposition leaders. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanded a detailed discussion in Parliament and said students had been assaulted merely for raising genuine concerns about their future. INDIA bloc leaders have also accused the government of using excessive force to silence democratic protests.
Meanwhile, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda visited injured protesters at hospitals and held discussions with representatives of the movement. CJP leaders, however, said they had not received any satisfactory response to their central demands and vowed to continue their agitation until accountability was ensured.
The government has defended the security measures, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a foolproof examination system. The confrontation has now developed into a major political issue, placing questions of examination integrity, youth employment and the right to protest at the centre of the national debate.
