Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika strongly condemned the alleged police violence against students protesting in Jharkhand. Speaking at a press conference on August 11 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati, Hazarika characterised the police actions as “barbaric.” He addressed the disturbances occurring in Ranchi, where students have been demonstrating against perceived irregularities in recruitment examinations and concerns about question-paper leaks.

Hazarika insisted that the protests had been conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, as the students sought accountability regarding employment opportunities. He claimed that the Congress-Jharkhand Mukti Morcha government had employed excessive force against demonstrators, implementing measures such as tear gas, water cannons, and lathi charges. Visuals from the protests, according to him, presented disturbing images of injuries inflicted on the students.

The minister’s comments included particularly severe allegations regarding female demonstrators, stating that some had endured torn clothing during the confrontation with police. Hazarika’s statements were aimed at critiquing the government’s response to the demonstrations and called for an immediate reckoning of the situation.

Challenge to Rahul Gandhi

Hazarika directed his remarks towards Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him to engage in a parliamentary debate regarding the incident instead of disrupting parliamentary proceedings. He questioned Gandhi’s absence in Jharkhand and asked why the leader had not visited the affected students to listen to their grievances directly.

The Assam minister labelled the Congress party’s response to the protests as displaying “double standards,” suggesting that the party only engaged with issues when they presented a political advantage. Hazarika further alleged that the police actions directed at the protesters were influenced by Gandhi, although he did not substantiate this assertion with evidence.

In a display of political confidence, Hazarika reiterated the BJP’s commitment to standing alongside Jharkhand’s youth and students, asserting that their demands needed to be addressed without delay. He stated that political accountability and transparency must take precedence in these matters.

Political Tensions in Parliament

The political confrontations in Parliament intensified in light of the Jharkhand protests, with Hazarika claiming that Rahul Gandhi had altered his demands, obstructing the operational flow of discussions. He suggested that Gandhi’s requests shifted from blaming the Education Minister to demanding discussions on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test.

Hazarika noted that the government had expressed willingness to engage in discussions and strengthen legislative frameworks concerning question-paper leaks. He also mentioned Gandhi’s request for a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the protests, asserting that the Home Minister was prepared to answer in Parliament if the proceedings could continue smoothly.

In addressing Gandhi’s recent comments regarding alleged incidents of gunfire during a protest at Jantar Mantar, Hazarika refuted these claims and called for a cessation of misinformation. He firmly stated there had been no shootings and accused Gandhi of misleading the public.

As the political discourse continues to unfold, Hazarika’s remarks highlight the ongoing confrontations between the BJP and Congress regarding the handling of student protests in Jharkhand. Opposition leaders, including Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have advocated for the protesters, asserting the need to address their demands effectively.

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