Left MPs visit Jantar Mantar, demand Amit Shah’s statement in Parliament over police action

Left MPs Visit Jantar Mantar, Demand Amit Shah’s Statement on Police Action

Bharatmorningnews.com – Left-aligned Members of Parliament (MPs) gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Tuesday, urging the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address the recent police crackdown during a protest over alleged irregularities in the educational system. The demonstration, which saw a large turnout of students and activists, was organized to highlight the government’s handling of the situation and demand clarity on the actions taken by law enforcement. The MPs emphasized the need for a parliamentary statement to account for the violence reported during Monday’s attempt by demonstrators to reach the legislative assembly, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate over educational reforms and police conduct.

Protest Context and Political Motivation

The visit to Jantar Mantar, a historic site and a frequent hub for public demonstrations in India, was part of a coordinated effort by the Left bloc to draw attention to the escalating tensions surrounding the educational system. The protest was sparked by allegations of widespread malpractice in the conduct of exams, with students claiming that the government’s policies were undermining academic integrity. Left MPs argued that the police’s aggressive response—characterized by tear gas, baton charges, and mass arrests—was an overreach aimed at suppressing dissent. The event underscores the growing political polarization over the issue, as the opposition seeks to hold the ruling party accountable for its actions.

“The Delhi Police’s actions on Monday were brutal and disproportionate. They used excessive force to disperse a peaceful crowd of students who were merely seeking justice for their grievances,” stated John Brittas, a prominent CPI(R) member and Rajya Sabha representative. Brittas criticized the police’s use of tear gas and baton charges, calling it a tactic to instill fear among demonstrators. He highlighted that the violence not only injured dozens of students but also raised concerns about the broader implications for freedom of expression in the country.

Key Demands and Accountability Calls

The delegation, which included CPI(M) representatives Amra Ram and S Venkatesan, alongside CPI(R) members A A Rahim and V Sivadasan, demanded a comprehensive explanation from Amit Shah regarding the police’s conduct. They emphasized that the Home Minister’s authority over Delhi Police makes him directly responsible for the incidents. The MPs also called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, arguing that his policies had created the conditions for the protests to erupt.

“This is not just a matter of education—it’s a political issue. The government is using police power to control the narrative and silence the youth,” said Sandosh Kumar, a CPI(M) leader. Kumar stressed that the injuries sustained by over 300 students, some with severe trauma, warranted immediate accountability. He added that the protests were a natural response to the perceived corruption in the examination system, which he described as a key pillar of democratic governance.

The protests at Jantar Mantar have drawn comparisons to past movements, with critics arguing that the current situation mirrors the tactics used during the 2019 anti-CAA protests. Left MPs reiterated that the police’s actions on Monday were part of a pattern of forceful suppression, with students being targeted for their activism. They also accused RSS-affiliated groups of inciting violence, despite the peaceful intent of the demonstrators. The incident has sparked a wave of public outrage, with social media platforms flooded with videos and testimonials from affected participants.

“We are demanding a full investigation into the police’s conduct. The students were just trying to reach Parliament to present their case, but were met with resistance,” said A A Rahim, another CPI(R) representative present at the rally. Rahim noted that the protest was a symbolic gesture, representing the broader struggle of the youth against systemic injustices. He called for the government to acknowledge the severity of the situation and take corrective measures to prevent further escalation.

The Left MPs’ visit to Jantar Mantar has intensified pressure on Amit Shah to clarify his role in the police’s response. With the Monsoon Session of Parliament underway, the opposition has leveraged the event to disrupt the government’s agenda and demand a discussion on the incident. The protest has also galvanized support from civil society organizations, which have joined the call for accountability and transparency. As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the police’s actions are scrutinized and that the students’ voices are heard in the parliamentary discourse.