New Delhi, India – In a strongly worded op-ed published in The Hindu, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has lashed out at the government over the police action against student protesters on July 20. Gandhi stated that the government is either “culpable or incompetent” for the violence that occurred just 500 metres from Parliament, where protesters were attacked with tear gas shells, lathis, and pellet guns. He called for the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah, arguing that the security forces deployed report directly to him, making him responsible for the assault.
Gandhi detailed the brutal treatment of protesters, including a 19-year-old, Sahil Lochab, who was likely blinded by a pellet gun, and the assault on young women. He noted that the government prides itself on centralised control under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shah, meaning that “nothing moves without their approval.” He argued that either Shah authorized the attack, making him culpable, or he was unaware of it, making him incompetent. Gandhi emphasized that the Home Minister’s inaction and refusal to order an inquiry or issue a statement prove that he approves of the attack.
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Gandhi also criticized Prime Minister Modi for his video “forgiving” the youth, calling it absurd and out of touch. He warned that young people across the country have awakened and will not allow the government to escape the consequences of its actions. Gandhi concluded by stating that the Opposition stands with the youth and will ensure accountability for the crimes committed on July 20. His op-ed serves as a powerful condemnation of the government’s handling of the protests and a call for justice for the students.
