The protest, with nearly 15,000 attendees, highlighted alleged irregularities in government exams and recruitments
New Delhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday strongly condemned the Delhi Police’s lathi charge on SSC aspirants and teachers protesting at Ramlila Maidan, calling it the “hallmark of a cowardly government.”
The protest, attended by nearly 15,000 demonstrators, aimed to highlight alleged irregularities in government exams and recruitments. The situation escalated when around 100 protestors refused to disperse after the permitted time, prompting police to resort to force. Several protestors were injured, and at least 44 were detained.
Taking to X, Gandhi wrote that the youth had only demanded employment and justice, but were met with violence. He accused the Modi government of disregarding the country’s youth and their future, claiming it came to power by stealing votes and now was attempting to steal exams, jobs, and the rights of citizens. Gandhi urged young people to stand firm and fight back.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticized the incident, calling the police action “inhuman and shameful.” She highlighted rampant exam rigging, recruitment scams, and paper leaks during BJP rule, saying the government was crushing the concerns of students instead of addressing them.
Police officials stated they initially asked protestors to vacate the Maidan peacefully, but verbal altercations and rising tension forced the lathi charge. The demonstrators had gathered throughout Sunday to demand accountability and reforms in the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examinations.
The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, with opposition leaders accusing the central government of suppressing youth voices and ignoring public grievances in key employment and education sectors.