NEW DELHI: Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday criticised the police action during the CJP protest in the national capital and alleged that the Opposition was not allowed to raise the issue in Parliament.
Addressing reporters, Kharge alleged that students participating in the CJP protest against the alleged paper leak issue were subjected to police action, leaving many injured.
“Lathi charge took place, tear gas was fired, and students were beaten up, leaving many in the hospital. Against this injustice, oppression, and pressure being exerted on them, we requested time in Parliament to raise our voice on their behalf,” Kharge said.
The Congress chief further alleged that he was prevented from speaking in the Rajya Sabha when he sought to raise the issue.
“But as soon as I stood up and uttered even a single word, the microphone was switched off. Is this democracy? If you do not want debate or refuse to listen to us in a democracy, where are we supposed to go? Lakhs of students have come from every corner of the country to make their voices heard,” he said.
Kharge reiterated the Opposition’s demand for a discussion in Parliament on the issue and said Union Home Minister Amit Shah should respond to the debate.
“We want a discussion on this issue. Following the discussion, the Home Minister should make a statement. Other floor leaders should also be given an opportunity to speak,” he said.
Alleging that democratic values were being undermined, Kharge said, “A conspiracy to end democracy is underway. This is unprecedented in the last 60 years, I have never seen a government function in this manner. We only ask that an opportunity for discussion be granted.”
