New Delhi/Mumbai: Amid widespread outrage over the use of brute force by Delhi Police on students during their 'Sansad Chalo' march as part of protests at Jantar Mantar over the nationwide NEET paper leak cases, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Raut on Tuesday sparked intense political debate by comparing the police action to the historic Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
The leader also explicitly addressed the role of CJP founder and activist Abhijit Dipke and the Opposition in the agitation at Jantar Mantar.
Addressing a press conference, Raut was questioned about the apparent absence of key Opposition leaders during Monday’s protests at Jantar Mantar and near Parliament House.
Dismissing the claim, Raut asserted that the agitation is succeeding precisely because the Opposition stands firmly behind it.
"The people who joined the movement aren't following just one individual — whether it is Sonam Wangchuk or Abhijit Dipke. This issue was raised by Rahul Gandhi and all of us, which sparked this fight. Fuel was added to this battle by Chief Justice Surya Kant's statements. Every political party has taken to the streets over the NEET paper leak issue," Raut stated.
Raut re-affirmed the Opposition’s active involvement, adding, "Protests don't happen just because someone arrives from America. It is succeeding because we are all standing in support. Yesterday, leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (including Arvind Kejriwal), Samajwadi Party, Bhim Army, and our own party members were present at the protests. Uddhav Thackeray discussed this matter at least 25 times yesterday."
Launching a fiery attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Raut condemned the police action against the student demonstrators.
"The peaceful manner in which the youth of this country expressed their outrage is what we consider democracy. But the way Narendra Modi and Amit Shah's police lathi-charged those children reminded us of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Because they either do not have children, or their children live abroad. They will never understand the pain of our Indian youth," he said.
Terming the crackdown a dark chapter in Indian democracy, Raut declared, "Yesterday was a black day for Indian democracy. Moving forward, July 20 should be observed as 'Cowards' Day'."
Raut urged political forces to broaden the scope of the agitation. "The Opposition must now take control of this movement. We are supporting the protests wherever possible, and this movement now needs to be expanded to a national level," he added.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former minister Aaditya Thackeray condemned the police lathi charge on the peaceful protesters. In his post on X, he uploaded a video in this regard saying, "Just wanted to know, in all the global forums that we participate, does any other country have a regime that is so oppressive and brutal? Or are we the only former democracy to be in such forums where the ruling regime fools those countries about democracy, elections, rule of law."
Further, MNS leader Amit Thackeray launched a fierce attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central Government.
Speaking to the media, Amit Thackeray expressed deep concern over the recent developments during the demonstrations and questioned the government's stance.
Expressing his shock over the situation, Thackeray remarked that the events unfolding during the protests were alarming. "It feels as though the government hasn't just detained Sonam Wangchuk, but has bundled up democracy itself," Thackeray alleged, questioning if power had gone to the BJP's head.
Taking a swipe at BJP spokespersons and current political dynamics, Thackeray described the present political landscape as "vile and monstrous," adding that several key questions remain unanswered following the protests.
Addressing the growing dissatisfaction among students following the NEET paper leak controversy, Thackeray drew attention to the tragic rise in student suicides.
Thackeray urged the government to handle students' issues with sensitivity and called for serious, immediate consideration of the protesters' demands.
--IANS
