BJP calls Rahul’s march to PM residence ‘irresponsible conduct’
NEW DELHI: A day after Rahul Gandhi’s march to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence ended in a confrontation with police, the BJP mounted a sharp political counteroffensive on Wednesday, accusing Lok Sabha leader of opposition of disregarding the dignity of the Prime Minister’s residence and announcing nationwide protests against Congress party.The saffron party also called out Rahul Gandhi’s “Chalo PM Residence” as “irresponsible” and “highly condemnable.” Leading the attack, senior party leader Ravi Shankar Prasad asked Lok Sabha LoP: “‘Does this country run on your arrogance?”Addressing a presser in New Delhi, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi’s political legacy, saying that someone from a family that produced three Prime Ministers should have understood the dignity attached to the Prime Minister’s residence.”He is sitting on a dharna at the gate of the Prime Minister’s residence. His father Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister, his grandmother Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister, and his great-grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru was also the Prime Minister of India. He, of all people, should know the dignity and sanctity of the Prime Minister’s residence. Despite this, the kind of irresponsible behaviour he has displayed is highly condemnable,” Prasad said. Announcing the BJP’s response, Prasad said the saffron party would stage protests across the country outside Congress offices.”The BJP will hold protests today across the country against Congress outside Congress offices for the unruly protest outside the PM’s house yesterday,” he said.Questioning Rahul Gandhi’s approach, Prasad accused the Congress leader of abandoning dialogue and trying to dictate terms to the government.”How do you intend to function? Will you just sit there forcibly? You were engaged in a dialogue. They were ready for a debate on the NEET issue, but then you backed out. Does this country run on your stick? Will it run on your arrogance? Rahul Gandhi, you have been irresponsible. I condemn your entire conduct,” he said.Defending the police action during the protest, the BJP leader said security personnel had no option but to intervene to maintain law and order in the high-security zone.”Later, the police were forced to take action, which was necessary for security and for maintaining peace. The Prime Minister has always been clear on these issues,” Prasad said.Shifting focus to the controversy surrounding competitive examinations, Prasad asserted that the government had acted swiftly to protect the integrity of recruitment and entrance tests.”In the past, irregularities were reported in several states during various examinations. Consequently, foolproof exams were conducted immediately after cancellations. The results have been declared with a 56-57% success rate, and students are satisfied. These exams were held without charging any additional fees,” he told reporters.Emphasising the Centre’s commitment to students, Prasad said those responsible for exam irregularities had been arrested and were facing trial.”All the candidates appearing for NEET and other exams are our children. It is our duty to be concerned about their future, and we will fulfill that responsibility. Those involved in irregularities have been arrested and are facing trial. The government is ensuring that their trial leads to certain punishment,” he said.The senior BJP leader concluded by reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance that the sanctity of NEET and other examinations would be protected through systemic reforms and stricter scrutiny.The BJP’s attack came a day after Rahul led the Opposition’s march towards Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the Prime Minister, where protesters came face-to-face with security personnel in the high-security Lutyens’ Delhi zone.Videos from the scene showed police moving in to disperse the protesters gathered outside the Prime Minister’s residence. In one video shared by the Congress on its official X handle, Rahul Gandhi was seen lying on the road as police personnel attempted to lift and remove him from the protest site. The former Congress president appeared to resist being taken away as security officials surrounded him. The Congress also released a photograph showing Rahul nosebleed following the police action, alleging excessive use of force during the protest.Rahul Gandhi’s protest came amid Jantar Mantar protest demanding Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over accountability in the NEET paper-leak.
