Guwahati: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the Centre of failing to honour its assurance that no action would be taken against student protesters, alleging that police used AK-47 rifles against demonstrators in Bihar and demanding action against those responsible.
In a post on X, Gandhi also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise to the students and alleged that the government was suppressing peaceful protests.
“The entire system is downright murderous against students. Reports are coming in that AK-47s have been fired at protesting students in Bihar, and hundreds have been arrested and booked under FIRs,” Gandhi said.
He questioned the Centre’s reported assurance that no FIRs would be filed against students and that those detained would be released.
“Modi ji, what happened to your promise that no FIRs would be filed against students and that they would be released? Instead, they are being subjected to deadly attacks and brutality,” Gandhi said.
Referring to recent protests, Gandhi alleged that “pellet guns were used against students in Delhi, and AK-47s in Bihar.”
“Whether it is Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, or Delhi, the pattern is the same everywhere,” he said.
“I have said it before: this government is dishonest. Reform is beyond its capability. It will renege on its promises and use every tactic to suppress the students’ voices,” Gandhi added.
The remarks came after left-wing student organisations staged demonstrations across Bihar on Saturday in support of a statewide bandh over the NEET paper leak and the police crackdown on protesting students. Some of the protests turned violent.
Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav had alleged that police opened fire with AK-47 rifles on protesters in Siwan.
The bandh was called in solidarity with students who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party-led ‘Sansad Chalo’ march in Delhi on July 20 against the NEET paper leak.
Police used batons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators during the protest. Police also resorted to pellet guns, according to reports. Scores of protesters and police personnel were injured in the clashes.