BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Wednesday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of trying to direct protesters towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence during the opposition protest in Delhi, terming it a “major security breach” and a matter of grave national importance.
“There was a major security breach yesterday and Rahul Gandhi tried his best to direct the protesters towards the Prime Minister’s residence. When there were protests at Janpath, why did Rahul Gandhi try to direct the protest towards the Prime Minister’s residence? This is a matter of great concern to the nation. You know how the protesters were threatening, and then Rahul Gandhi did it. This is a matter of great concern to everyone,” Ranaut said.
Responding to Congress’ demand for Prime Minister Modi’s resignation over the alleged NEET papers leak issue, Ranaut defended the Centre’s handling of the matter.
“In NEET, the government is making all efforts. Why is the Prime Minister resigning? He is the most popular leader in the world,” she added.
Ranaut’s remarks came a day after Congress leaders, led by Rahul Gandhi and party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, staged a sit-in near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, demanding his resignation over police action against students who protested against the alleged leak of NEET papers.
Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and several other opposition leaders were forcibly removed and detained by Delhi Police during the protest. Congress leaders, joined by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, began the dharna at around 3.30 pm.
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“A political ploy,” says Chhattisgarh CM.
The conference also drew criticism from Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, who described the protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence as “against democratic norms” and a “political stunt”. He said that it is not expected that a person holding the constitutional position of Leader of the Opposition would indulge in such acts.
Referring to the controversy surrounding NEET papers leak, Sai said the Center acted seriously and took strict action against those responsible.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the paper leaks as a sin and assured strict action against the guilty,” Sai said in a statement, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring transparency in the examination system and has already conducted the re-examination and announced its results.
He also accused the Congress of trying to mislead the youth and create unrest over the issue.
“The protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence, which is located in a restricted security zone, was inappropriate by democratic standards. The people of the country will not accept such a policy. Respect for democratic institutions and constitutional validity must remain the highest priority,” Sai said.
(With inputs from agencies)
