NeNEW DELHI, JULY 21: Political tensions surged in the national capital on Tuesday after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was detained during a protest over education issues, with the Congress accusing the Centre of suppressing democratic dissent while the BJP defended the police action, citing security concerns.
Senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor visited the student protest site at Jantar Mantar and expressed solidarity with the demonstrators. Condemning Rahul Gandhi's detention, Tharoor said the physical removal of the Leader of the Opposition and other MPs had shocked the conscience of the country.
Calling the students' agitation a peaceful and democratic protest, Tharoor said they were demanding justice after allegedly being "betrayed by the system." He accused the government of responding with insensitivity, referring to the alleged lathi-charge on protesters and the detention of Rahul Gandhi.
"This is not how we expect a government to deal with peaceful protests and people demanding accountability. The government should answer the concerns of the youth instead of resorting to police action," Tharoor said.
The Congress also reiterated that Rahul Gandhi's demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation was aimed at safeguarding the interests of the country's youth. The party said millions of students were facing uncertainty and stress, adding that it stood firmly with Rahul Gandhi in his fight for students' rights, dignity and future.
Responding to the Congress's protest, BJP MP Sambit Patra defended the government's position, stating that while protests are an essential part of democracy, they must be conducted within the framework of the law.
Patra alleged that Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Congress leaders, had suddenly staged a sit-in outside the Prime Minister's residence without permission, despite designated protest sites being available in Delhi.
He argued that the Prime Minister's residence is a high-security zone and that any unauthorised gathering could pose serious security risks. As the Leader of the Opposition, Patra said, Rahul Gandhi was expected to uphold constitutional responsibilities and respect established security protocols.
"No one is denying the right to protest, but there are proper places and procedures for demonstrations. Security around the Prime Minister's residence cannot be compromised," Patra said.
The developments have intensified the political confrontation between the ruling BJP and the Congress, with both parties accusing each other of undermining democratic norms while the student protest over education-related issues continues to draw national attention.
