Congress Leaders Condemn Silence on Use of Force Against Minors
New Delhi, August 1: Congress leaders issued a strong reaction to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent video message addressed to students, focusing their criticism on the Prime Minister's silence regarding the use of batons and pellet guns against children. The critique emerged as part of a broader inquiry into the government's stance on violence directed at minors during recent protests.
The Congress party highlighted a discrepancy in narratives surrounding the treatment of young protesters. According to the party, while the government has characterized some children involved in demonstrations as terrorists, the Delhi police have stated that violent elements infiltrated the protests. This conflicting account has drawn attention from political opponents who are questioning the official handling of the incidents.
Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit addressed a news agency to outline the party's position on the matter. He emphasized that while he condemns abusive language in public life, the Prime Minister has not expressed regret or disturbance over similar trends within his own political circle or regarding the treatment of children.
Dikshit Highlights Double Standards in Political Discourse
Sandeep Dikshit stated that he has never supported the use of indecent words in public life. He noted that he has previously condemned such behavior by figures including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and BJP leaders.
"As far as abusive language is concerned, I condemn it," Dikshit said. "I have never supported the use of indecent words in public life. I said the same when Arvind Kejriwal insulted Congress and Sheila Dikshit. We condemned the use of foul language by BJP leaders, but the Prime Minister has not expressed any regret."
Dikshit pointed out a double standard in how political abuse is addressed. He argued that while Congress leaders have been subjected to vulgar abuses, including threats against Mahatma Gandhi, the Prime Minister has not responded to this trend. Dikshit noted that some individuals have publicly symbolized that they could shoot Mahatma Gandhi again and claimed that those who assassinated the nation's founder have been glorified in the country.
"We have never seen the Prime Minister disturbed by this," Dikshit added. He argued that labeling fallen standards in politics as a norm allows abuse to become acceptable. According to Dikshit, this trend of abuse started with Arvind Kejriwal in 2011-12 and was escalated by BJP leaders. He stated that the Prime Minister has never responded to this escalation.
Questions Regarding Government Response to Child Safety
The Congress leader emphasized that being abused is absolutely wrong but questioned why the Prime Minister has not spoken on issues concerning children. Dikshit noted a discrepancy in narratives, where the government labels children as terrorists while Delhi police claims violent elements infiltrated protests.
"The question remains, when will the Prime Minister speak on issues concerning children?" Dikshit asked. He pointed to the government's attitude as suggesting that sometimes they label children as terrorists, while the Delhi police claims that violent elements infiltrated protests.
The criticism underscores a growing political divide over the handling of public order and the protection of minors during civil unrest. Congress leaders are calling for accountability regarding the use of force against young people, contrasting it with their own condemnations of abusive rhetoric from opposition figures.