Rahul Gandhi creates narratives based on falsehoods; constantly spreads lies: MP BJP chief

New Delhi/Bhopal, Aug 11 (AHN) Madhya Pradesh BJP president Hemant Khandelwal on Tuesday accused Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of adopting “double standards” on issues concerning students, questioning his silence over the police action against protesting students in Ranchi.

Khandelwal sought to draw a comparison between the Ranchi incident and student protests in Delhi, where Rahul Gandhi had strongly criticised police action against protesters and raised examination-related concerns.

“We all witnessed the barbaric treatment meted out to children recently in the capital of Jharkhand. These children were staging a peaceful and dignified protest -- without any abusive language. Yet, the Jharkhand government, which is running with the support of the Congress, ordered a lathi-charge against these children. Where did the voice of Rahul Gandhi go regarding the Ranchi incident, after he had spoken so vocally about the Delhi incident?” Khandelwal said at a press conference.

Khandelwal’s remarks came amid a political row over the alleged use of force against students and job aspirants protesting in Ranchi against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.

The protests in Ranchi have been centred on demands related to examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

The agitation intensified after protesters marched towards the Jharkhand Assembly and police used force to disperse them.

The BJP has criticised the Jharkhand government over the action and sought to make the incident a political issue, particularly in view of the Congress party being part of the ruling alliance in the state.

Khandelwal also criticised the Opposition over disruptions in Parliament, alleging that Rahul Gandhi was attempting to create a political narrative instead of allowing the government to respond to issues raised by the Opposition.

He said Union Home Minister Amit Shah was ready to respond to questions concerning students and challenged Gandhi to raise the Ranchi issue in Parliament.

“Rahul Gandhi creates narratives based on falsehoods; he constantly spreads lies. Amit Shah is ready to respond to every point and discuss the welfare of students. We are prepared to directly challenge Rahul Gandhi: come to the House and discuss the Ranchi incident. Allow the answers to be given without obstruction; let the House function,” he said.

The BJP has maintained that the government is prepared to discuss examination-related concerns in Parliament, while the Opposition has continued to demand accountability over alleged irregularities. Khandelwal said the Opposition had demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and sought a discussion on the issue in Parliament.