Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of hypocrisy over his protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Prasad questioned Gandhi's conduct and alleged that the Congress leader remained silent when, according to the BJP, women and children participating in protests faced violence, while now choosing to target the government over recent police action.
Prasad described Rahul Gandhi's demonstration outside the Prime Minister's residence as "irresponsible behaviour" and said it undermined the dignity of the country's highest constitutional executive office. Referring to Gandhi's family background, he remarked that Rahul comes from a family that has produced three Prime Ministers and therefore should understand the importance of respecting the Prime Minister's official residence and the security protocols surrounding it.
The BJP leader further alleged that the Congress was displaying selective outrage. "Your hypocrisy has been laid bare," Prasad said, claiming that Gandhi was protesting now but had not spoken out when, according to the BJP's allegations, women and children were subjected to violence during earlier political incidents. He also accused the Opposition of attempting to create political confrontation instead of engaging in constructive parliamentary debate on the NEET controversy.
Prasad's remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and several INDIA bloc leaders staged a sit-in near the Prime Minister's residence demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and the police action against student protesters. The protest ended with police detaining several Opposition leaders after they refused to disperse.
The Congress has defended the protest, saying it was a peaceful demonstration against alleged police excesses and in support of students demanding justice. The party has continued to seek the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a detailed discussion in Parliament on the alleged examination irregularities. Meanwhile, the BJP has announced nationwide protests against Rahul Gandhi's demonstration, calling it a violation of democratic norms and a security concern.
As the Monsoon Session continues, the alleged NEET paper leak, the police response to protests, and the political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the Opposition remain at the centre of national attention, with both sides accusing each other of politicising the issue.
