Hyderabad: Telangana Government Adviser Mohammed Ali Shabbir said on Wednesday that Rahul Gandhi arrests would not silence the Leader of the Opposition or weaken the Congress campaign against examination irregularities.
Police detained Shabbir Ali near Lok Bhavan while he was heading to the TPCC’s Chalo Lok Bhavan protest. Officers later shifted him to Panjagutta Police Station.
Shabbir Ali said Rahul Gandhi had consistently highlighted paper leaks and examination irregularities. He also said the Congress leader had raised concerns over unemployment and issues affecting students and young people. According to him, Rahul Gandhi had taken up these issues in Parliament and during public protests.
Rahul Gandhi arrests trigger fresh criticism
Shabbir Ali said police action could not suppress Rahul Gandhi’s voice. He added that it would not weaken the demands of students seeking justice and accountability. Meanwhile, he alleged that the BJP-led Central government had used police force against students and Opposition leaders instead of addressing concerns over examination irregularities.
The TPCC organised the protest after Delhi Police detained Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition leaders. They had staged a sit-in near the Prime Minister’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday.
Shabbir Ali demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He also sought the withdrawal of FIRs registered against students. Further, he called for a detailed discussion in Parliament on paper leaks and examination irregularities.
Minister G. Vivek Venkatswamy joined the protest along with MLAs Danam Nagender, Naveen Yadav, Mandula Samuel, Shankar and Kumbam Anil Kumar Reddy. Several corporation chairpersons and Congress leaders also participated. Police detained them while they attempted to join the Chalo Lok Bhavan protest.