Members of Nagaland State BJP unit address a press conference in Dimapur on August 11. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 11
The Nagaland state BJP unit accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of practicing what was termed as a “politics of convenience.” The ruling party's state unit further challenged the opposition leader to face a parliamentary debate on student issues rather than spreading “falsehoods” to disrupt proceedings.
The comments were made at a press conference in Dimapur on August 11 backdropped by the student protests in Jharkhand.
Condemning the police action against student protesters in Ranchi, Jharkhand, state Vice President Basu Damani expressed outrage over the JMM-Congress coalition government's use of lathi-charges, tear gas, water cannons, and the installation of barbed wires against peaceful student protestors. While stating that the protests were for employment opportunities and recruitment reforms, he termed the response by the Jharkhand Government uncalled for. Even women protesters were subjected to harsh treatment, he said.
BJP Nagaland State Secretary Therali Ezung criticised what the state unit described as a selective stance on student welfare by the Congress leadership. She pointed out that while Gandhi was quick to raise issues concerning the protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, he has remained silent on the situation in Ranchi.
“Where his government commits police atrocities, he adopts a stone silence, and where he has to bake his political bread, he creates a completely fake narrative,” Ezung said, questioning whether support for student issues is being decided based on political convenience and hidden agendas.
BJP State Vice President Zaremo Kikon accused Gandhi of repeatedly disrupting parliamentary proceedings over paper leaks and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Kikon stated that while the central government has strengthened laws against paper leaks and indicated that the Union Home Minister would address questions in the House, the opposition has continued to the stall Parliament.
Kikon rejected claims made by Gandhi during a press conference on Monday, August 10, regarding police action in Delhi.
“Not a single bullet was fired at Jantar Mantar. Rahul Gandhi, stop lying,” Kikon said, challenging the Congress leader to remain in the House and engage in a formal debate where all facts can be presented.
Damani stated that the BJP is with the youth of Jharkhand and the nation, demanding that the Congress-JMM government immediately fulfill the demands of the agitating students.
