Speaking in Delhi after interacting with young protesters, Rahul Gandhi said they had peacefully voiced their concerns and deserved support rather than police action.
‘Students Defended The Constitution’
Rahul Gandhi said he had a “freewheeling conversation” with several young protesters, who narrated their experiences during the protests.
“…We had a freewheeling conversation with some of the young protesters. They mentioned to me how they were assaulted, breaten and threatened. I am very proud of them, very proud of what they have done, what thousands of young Indians like them have done. They have defended the Constitution, they have protected the idea of India, they have protected India’s future.”
‘Education System Needs To Be Changed’
The Congress leader said raising concerns about the education system should not be treated as a crime.
“Complaining about the education system, which is a flawed system, a collapsing system, a useless system is not a crime. If anything, the system needs to be changed, it needs to be corrected. That is all they were asking for.”
He added that the protesters had conducted themselves peacefully.
“They were not doing violence, they were not being aggressive, they were not being nasty. They were beaten, assaulted and threatened.”
Raises Issue Of Alleged Forced Apology
Rahul Gandhi also referred to what he described as the forced apology of a teenage protester.
“Forcing them first, sending gundas to their house, forcibly demanding apology of a 15-year-old girl and then accepting that apology is complete nonsense.”
Calls For Education Reforms
Reiterating his support for the protesters’ demands, Rahul Gandhi said reforms in the education system were necessary and called for an end to examination paper leaks.
“We do not accept it, we want education system that works, we want exam leaks to stop and we want the future of this country to be respected and protected.”
