By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 11 Aug: Senior BJP leader and Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal today addressed a press conference at the State BJP Headquarters here. During the interaction, he accused Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of deliberately avoiding discussion in Parliament on the NEET issue and the reply of Home Minister Amit Shah.
Uniyal claimed that Rahul Gandhi is indulging in anarchic and dual politics, thereby attempting to vitiate the atmosphere of the country. He alleged that, while Congress is an ally of the ruling government in Jharkhand, where youth have been subjected to harsh treatment, Rahul Gandhi shied away from debate on the Jantar Mantar issue. Uniyal urged that instead of running away in fear, Rahul Gandhi should participate in discussion on the concerns of the students.
Uniyal alleged that, under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, the Congress is trying to spoil the national atmosphere. He remarked that after twelve consecutive years of electoral failures, the Congress scion appears to be completely frustrated, and the party’s losing streak shows no signs of ending. He alleged that Rahul Gandhi has abandoned the dignity and traditions of the Leader of the Opposition’s post, resorting to negative and anarchic politics, repeatedly misleading the public with falsehoods. He asserted that such conduct is unbecoming of a person holding the position of Leader of the Opposition.
The BJP leader reminded that Rahul Gandhi had initially demanded the resignation of the then Education Minister, which had led to disruption in Parliament. When the resignation was tendered, he then demanded discussion on NEET, but when the government agreed, he is now deliberately avoiding the debate. Uniyal expressed shock over the ‘fact’ that Rahul Gandhi had incited the students in Delhi and had used derogatory language against the Prime Minister and other BJP leaders. He termed the entire episode as unfortunate and a shameful episode in parliamentary history. He said the Opposition had stalled Parliament for fifteen days demanding discussion on NEET, but when the government agreed, Rahul Gandhi has backed out on false pretexts.
Uniyal also alleged that Rahul Gandhi even crossed all the limits when he claimed that firing took place during the Delhi student agitation, a statement made long after the incident, which he described as an attempt to create sensationalism. The minister reminded that the Modi Government had taken the matter seriously and sensitively, cancelled the NEET examination, conducted a re-exam within a month, declared the result, accepted the Education Minister’s resignation and passed a stringent anti-cheating law in Parliament. He also reminded that Uttarakhand had already enacted a strict law against examination malpractices, and now the Centre had ensured a national framework to prevent mismanagement and misconduct in examinations.
Challenging Rahul Gandhi, Uniyal said the Congress should not run away from debate, as the Modi Government is ready to answer every question. He accused the Congress of lowering the dignity of Parliament under the guise of student welfare, while remaining silent on the mistreatment of the students in Jharkhand, where barbed wire was laid and children were treated with cruelty. He said this has exposed the dual character of Congress and its allies.
Uniyal asserted that Congress has no genuine concern for students or youth, and is only attempting to create anarchy in the country and added that the BJP strongly condemns such attempts. He said democracy thrives on dialogue and discussion, but Rahul Gandhi and Congress are avoiding the debate and resorting to sensational allegations. He added that the Congress, under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, is being rejected by the people across the country, and in desperation is trying to regain lost ground by creating disorder. He said such behaviour is undemocratic and anarchic, and proof of the party’s ideological bankruptcy.
On the occasion, state general secretary Kundan Parihar, state vice president Shailendra Bisht, state media in-charge Manveer Chauhan, co-media in-charge Rajendra Negi and state spokesperson Kamlesh Raman were also present.
