New Delhi: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that the police action against student protesters in Delhi was carried out under the Home Ministry’s authority.
Addressing a press conference after claiming he was not allowed to complete his speech in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi alleged that students participating in peaceful protests were subjected to police excesses, including the use of pellet guns, shock batons and lathis. He claimed to have seen medical records of a student allegedly injured by pellet gun fire and accused security personnel of assaulting women and minors.
Gandhi said he had repeatedly requested the Speaker to restore order in the House so that he could raise the issue but was not permitted to continue. He alleged that he was asked to apologise for his remarks against Amit Shah if he wished to resume his speech, saying he refused to do so.
The Congress leader alleged that the Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force, both of which report to the Union Home Ministry, were responsible for the action against protesters. He claimed there were only two possibilities: either the Home Minister authorised the use of force or was unaware of the actions taken by agencies under his ministry. In either case, Gandhi said, Amit Shah should resign.
Gandhi said he had written to the Home Minister on July 25 seeking clarification on whether the use of pellet guns against students had been approved and asking for the identity of individuals in plain clothes seen assaulting protesters. He claimed he had not received a response.
He also called for an independent Supreme Court-monitored high-powered committee to investigate the alleged use of force against students.
Referring to the recently passed legislation on examination malpractice, Gandhi said the law focused on increasing punishment rather than preventing paper leaks. He alleged that the measure did not address the structural problems in the education system and reiterated his criticism of the alleged influence of the RSS on educational institutions.
Gandhi said the Opposition would continue to raise the issue inside and outside Parliament and asserted that those responsible for any excesses against students would be held accountable.
