Jharkhand Students' Protests Draw Sharp Attack On Congress From Annapurna Devi

Union Minister Annapurna Devi on Sunday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party over their alleged silence on ongoing protests by job aspirants in Jharkhand. The protests are linked to allegations of irregularities in examinations, with students demanding that their concerns be addressed by the state government. Devi questioned why Congress leaders, who frequently raise student-related issues in other parts of the country, had not publicly spoken about the agitation in Jharkhand.

Devi accused Gandhi and the Congress of following what she described as “double standards” and a “duplicitous character” in their approach to student grievances. She specifically questioned why the Congress leadership had not intervened or expressed concern over the Jharkhand protests despite the party being part of the ruling alliance in the state. Her remarks came as job aspirants continued to raise concerns over the conduct of examinations and alleged irregularities.

“Rahul Gandhi hasn't uttered a single word for the children of Jharkhand, nor are Congress leaders stepping forward to speak,” Devi said. She argued that if the Congress genuinely considered student welfare an important issue, its leaders should speak about such concerns regardless of which political party or alliance governs the state. The Union Minister contrasted the party’s response to student issues elsewhere with what she described as its silence over the Jharkhand agitation.

Also Read: Kiren Rijiju Questions Congress Leadership's Self-Assessment

The Union Minister further alleged that Opposition parties tend to remain silent when grievances arise in states where they or their political allies are in power. Referring to Punjab, Karnataka and Kerala, Devi said Congress leaders had not raised similar concerns there either, using the examples to support her allegation of political inconsistency. Her comments add a political dimension to the ongoing dispute involving students and the Jharkhand administration over the examination process.

Devi also directed her criticism at the Jharkhand government, calling on the administration to acknowledge the students’ concerns and respond to their demands. She said any allegations of irregularities should not merely be investigated but should also result in action against those found responsible. “There should not only be an investigation but also action, no matter who is involved,” she said, stressing that accountability should apply irrespective of the individuals or organisations implicated.

The controversy comes amid continuing political attention on examination processes and demands from job aspirants for transparency and accountability. Devi urged the Jharkhand government and all parties forming part of the administration to demonstrate sensitivity towards the protesting students and address their grievances. While the Union Minister’s remarks focused heavily on Congress and Gandhi, the immediate issue remains the students’ demands and the state government’s response to allegations surrounding the examination process.

Also Read: Congress Urges Home Minister To Address Police Excesses, PM On “Chanda Chori” Issue