Rahul: SSC Lathi-Charge Shows Govt Cowardice
Youth protesting exam rigging face police brutality at Ramlila Maidan.
The Congress party has fiercely criticized the Modi government following reports of a violent police response to Staff Selection Commission (SSC) aspirants protesting at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday. The students, joined by their trainers, were demanding fair and transparent conduct of SSC examinations, but their peaceful demonstration was met with alleged lathi-charges, drawing widespread condemnation.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the government, accusing it of habitual neglect toward the youth. "The Modi government's puppet police brutally attacked students protesting SSC exam rigging. This is shameful and condemnable," Kharge said. He accused the BJP of undermining the education system over the past 11 years, leaving the youth vulnerable to paper leaks and recruitment scams. "The youth are enraged, and they will no longer tolerate this injustice," he added.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, echoed Kharge’s sentiments in a scathing post on X. "The lathi-charge on peacefully protesting SSC candidates and teachers is a mark of a cowardly government," he wrote. Gandhi claimed the Modi government, which he accused of coming to power by "stealing votes," shows no concern for the youth’s future. "They steal votes, exams, jobs, and then crush your rights," he said, urging the youth to fight back boldly.
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Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condemned the police action as "inhuman and shameful." She highlighted widespread issues with SSC exams, including rigging, recruitment scams, and paper leaks. "Instead of addressing these concerns, the government is resorting to cruelty. The youth deserve to be heard, not beaten," she said on X.
Delhi Police, however, denied claims of a lathi-charge. A senior officer stated that around 1,500 protesters gathered at Ramlila Maidan, but 100 refused to disperse after the permitted time despite repeated requests. "Forty-four protesters were detained, but there was no lathi-charge," the officer clarified.
The SSC exams have been plagued by issues, including sudden cancellations, server crashes, unresponsive systems, and exam centers located up to 500 km from candidates’ homes, fueling frustration among aspirants. The Congress party’s sharp rebuke reflects growing discontent with the government’s handling of youth issues and examination processes.
