New Delhi: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a scathing attack on the Central Government shortly after being released from police detention on Tuesday. Stepping out of the Mandir Marg police station, the Congress Member of Parliament firmly demanded the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the ongoing exam paper leak controversy and condemned the recent police action against protesting students.
The strong remarks came after Delhi Police released top Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi. They were earlier detained for staging a massive protest near the official residence of the Prime Minister. The opposition leaders were demonstrating against the alleged mismanagement of competitive examinations and a brutal lathi charge on student protesters the previous day.
Addressing the media, Priyanka Gandhi questioned the reluctance of the administration to engage with the youth. She stated that children and youth are the future of the country, asking what harm could possibly come from listening to their genuine grievances. She emphasized that since students are raising real issues, it is the fundamental responsibility of elected representatives to amplify their voices and stand in complete solidarity with them. She further termed the recent police crackdown on students as completely unjustified and wrong.
Reaffirming the party stance, she stressed that the ruined education system needs an urgent overhaul. She reiterated the clear demand that Dharmendra Pradhan must step down and insisted that a dedicated discussion must take place in Parliament where the voices of students are genuinely heard.
Taking a sharp dig at government priorities, the Congress leader questioned the intent behind the Vande Mataram bill, noting that true respect for the motherland lies in upholding democratic values. She pointed out a stark financial contrast, claiming that while corporate loans worth sixteen lakh crore rupees were completely waived off, a mere one point four lakh crore rupees were allocated for the education sector nationwide.
Following the turbulent events, the Congress party has escalated its strategic response. An urgent meeting of the INDIA bloc has been convened at the residence of Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday morning at 10 AM. Furthermore, all Congress Members of Parliament will register their strong protest by wearing black bands inside the House tomorrow.