New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday congratulated students over the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, claiming that the youth of the country had forced an “arrogant government” to bow.
Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve concerns surrounding the E20 fuel policy, alleging that vehicle owners were facing engine problems and reduced mileage due to the ethanol-blended fuel.
He announced that AAP would organise a “National Town Hall Against E20” on Saturday at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, beginning at 12 noon. Kejriwal said people from Delhi and neighbouring cities could attend the event in person, while participants from across the country could join virtually through a WhatsApp registration process.
He said the town hall would bring together experts, affected vehicle owners and other stakeholders to discuss the impact of E20 fuel and formulate a strategy to press the government to withdraw the policy.
Responding to questions on the alleged action against students following recent protests, Kejriwal claimed that despite government assurances that no action would be taken against students, police cases, lathi-charge and other measures were being reported in some states. He alleged that the government had failed to honour its assurances.
On the proposed legislation against examination malpractices, Kejriwal said stricter laws would be welcome but argued that existing laws were sufficient if implemented with intent. He alleged that the government lacked the political will to act against those responsible for paper leaks and examination fraud.
Reacting to allegations concerning the Punjab Education Department, Kejriwal defended the AAP government, stating that no paper leak had occurred in Punjab since the party came to power in 2022. He said the recent incident involved students allegedly attempting to cheat using smart pens at two examination centres, and claimed they were caught immediately, adding that it did not constitute a paper leak.
Kejriwal further claimed that Punjab had improved from 27th position to the top rank in school education under the AAP government and alleged that attempts were being made to tarnish its achievements through what he described as false allegations.
