Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make a statement in Parliament over the police crackdown on students during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest in Delhi, alleging that the protesters were subjected to excessive force.
Speaking in Parliament, Yadav said students had taken to the streets because their concerns were not being addressed and accused the government of failing to respond to their demands. Referring to the crackdown on protesters during Monday’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march, Yadav alleged that students were assaulted during the police action. “If you don’t listen to students, they will come to the streets,” he said.
Alleging that women students were also affected during the protest, Yadav asked, “Will you tear the clothes of our daughters? Is this the way to treat them?” He further claimed that several students were injured during the police action and urged the government to take responsibility.
Defended the Opposition’s protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence on Tuesday, Yadav said it became necessary because the Prime Minister had not responded to the issue inside Parliament. “If the Prime Minister can speak on the students’ issue outside Parliament, why can’t he make a statement inside the House?” he asked.
The Samajwadi Party leader was among several Opposition leaders, including Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who were detained by Delhi Police during the demonstration near Lok Kalyan Marg before being released later.
The Opposition has continued to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged irregularities in examinations, including the NEET paper leak, before agreeing to a discussion in Parliament.
The government, however, has maintained that it is prepared for an immediate debate on the issue.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Centre was ready for a discussion and accused the Opposition of delaying proceedings by insisting on Pradhan’s resignation.
Meanwhile, Congress and several Opposition MPs attended Parliament on Wednesday wearing black attire to protest against the alleged police action on students and the detention of Opposition leaders during Tuesday’s demonstration.