Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday condemned the Delhi Police’s lathi charge on SSC aspirants and teachers protesting at Ramlila Maidan, calling it the “hallmark of a cowardly government.”
Thousands of students and teachers had gathered at the venue to raise their concerns over alleged irregularities in recruitment and government examinations. The protest turned chaotic when police used force to disperse the demonstrators.
Taking to X, Gandhi wrote: “The brutal lathi charge on SSC aspirants and teachers peacefully protesting in Ramlila Maidan -- not just shameful, but the hallmark of a cowardly government. The youth had only demanded their rights -- employment and justice. What did they get? Lathis. It's clear -- the Modi government neither cares about the country's youth nor their future. Why?”
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He went on to accuse the ruling party of undermining democracy, adding: “This government didn't come to power on the votes of the people, but by stealing votes. First, they'll steal votes, then, they'll steal exams, then, they'll steal jobs, then, they'll crush both your rights and your voice! Youth, farmers, the poor, Dalits, and minorities -- they don't need your vote, so your demands will never be their priority. Now is the time -- not to fear, but to stand firm and fight back.”
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised the use of police force, calling it “inhuman and shameful.”
In a post on X, she wrote: “The use of police force against SSC students protesting at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan is inhuman and shameful. In every exam, there is rigging; in every recruitment, there is a scam, and paper leaks have left the youth of the entire country tormented. During the BJP rule, rampant corruption in recruitment processes and examinations is ruining the future of the youth. Instead of fixing it and listening to the youth, raining lathis on them is unfortunate. Instead of being cruel to the students, their concerns should be heard.”
According to police officials, nearly 15,000 protestors had gathered throughout the day on Sunday. While most dispersed peacefully by the evening, about 100 protestors refused to leave, leading to a standoff.
Officials said police first urged the demonstrators to vacate the premises as the permitted time for the protest had ended. When the group declined and tensions escalated, police resorted to a lathi charge. Several protestors sustained injuries, and at least 44 were detained.
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