Congress Criticizes Modi Govt Over SSC Protest Handling

New Delhi, Aug 25 (PTI) The Congress has criticized the central government following alleged incidents involving the police and candidates of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) at a protest in Ramlila Maidan. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader, has accused the Modi administration of neglecting the aspirations of the youth, alleging it's in power through "vote theft".

A gathering of SSC candidates and their trainers took place in Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, demanding improved examination procedures. In response to claims from opposition parties about the police's use of force, officials have countered by denying any baton-charging of the demonstrators.

Rahul Gandhi made a statement in Hindi on the social platform X, condemning the purported police actions against the peaceful SSC protestors. He described it as emblematic of a "cowardly government". "The youth sought their deserved rights—employment and justice—but encountered a heavy-handed response," Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, remarked.

He further expressed, "The government's indifference to the nation's youth and their future is apparent. Their power wasn’t secured through legitimate electoral means, but through vote manipulation," he alleged.

Gandhi continued, "First, they will steal votes. Then they will undermine exams. Next, they will jeopardize employment prospects. Subsequently, they will suppress your rights and voices! Youth, farmers, the underprivileged, and minorities—your votes don’t matter to them, hence your issues won’t be prioritized." He urged defiance, encouraging, "Now is the moment to confront these challenges boldly, rather than succumb to fear."

Echoing similar sentiments, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the government over the incident. In a post on X, she highlighted the plight of the youth affected by exam anomalies, recruitment scams, and paper leaks, labeling the situation "inhumane and shameful".

She stated, "The entire country’s youth are being distressed by corruption and mismanagement in recruitment processes, exacerbated under BJP's rule. Instead of addressing these grievances and engaging with the youth, resorting to punitive measures like lathi-charging is unfortunate." She urged for empathy towards the protestors rather than harsh treatment.

A senior Delhi Police official reported that approximately 1,500 protestors assembled at Ramlila Maidan, with around 100 remaining past their permitted time, despite multiple notices to disperse. "Out of those who stayed, 44 were detained. There was no lathi-charge involved," the officer clarified.

The SSC examination has faced widespread criticism over numerous issues, including abrupt exam cancellations, technical failures, unresponsive systems, and exam centers placed as far as 500 kilometers from candidates' residences.