NEW DELHI, Aug 10: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday stepped up his attack on the Centre over alleged police violence against student protesters, demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s resignation and claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public image had suffered irreparable damage.
In an opinion article published in The Hindu, Gandhi said young people across the country had mobilised on July 20 to demand accountability over paper leaks and reforms in the education system.
He described the protesters as representing different castes, communities, regions and social backgrounds, arguing that their demonstrations reflected wider concerns among India’s youth.
Gandhi said the protests were part of the country’s tradition of peaceful resistance and were protected by the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 of the Constitution.
Allegations of excessive force
The Congress leader alleged that security forces used tear gas, batons and pellet guns against demonstrators during the protests.
He referred to the case of 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, whom he said he had previously met, alleging that the youth suffered serious injuries after being hit by pellets, including one that struck his eye.
Gandhi also alleged that young women and minors were assaulted during the crackdown. He further claimed that student protesters in Bihar’s Siwan were fired upon with firearms, including an AK-47, leaving several people seriously injured.
The Congress leader questioned who authorised the alleged use of force and placed responsibility on the Union Home Ministry.
Shah faces questions over responsibility
Gandhi argued that Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force, which were deployed during the demonstrations, fall under the Home Ministry’s authority.
He presented two possibilities regarding Shah’s role: either the Home Minister authorised the action or was unaware that it was taking place.
In both circumstances, Gandhi said, Shah should accept responsibility and step down.
He also criticised the government for not ordering an inquiry into the allegations and accused the Home Minister of avoiding a discussion in Parliament.
Attack on Modi’s response
Gandhi also targeted Prime Minister Modi, accusing the government of attempting to manage the political fallout through its communication machinery while young protesters continued to face cases and detentions.
He questioned the Prime Minister’s reported message expressing forgiveness towards young people who exercised their right to protest, arguing that citizens demanding accountability should not need to be “forgiven” by the government.
Gandhi warned that the youth movement would continue to demand answers from those in power and asserted that neither Modi nor Shah would be able to avoid accountability.
Parliament remains stalled
The controversy has also contributed to disruptions in both Houses of Parliament, with opposition parties demanding that Shah make a statement on the alleged police action during the July 20 demonstrations.
The Opposition has repeatedly sought a discussion on the issue, while proceedings in both Houses have been affected by the continuing confrontation between the government and opposition benches.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh backed Gandhi’s remarks, calling for Shah’s resignation, while party president Mallikarjun Kharge said the Congress leader had raised the concerns of protesting youth.
The dispute over the July 20 demonstrations has thus emerged as a major flashpoint between the government and Opposition during the Monsoon Session.