Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi met President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday over the JNU row and the alleged targeting of students in various parts of the country.
Accompanied by senior leaders and also the young MPs of the party, the Congress Vice President highlight the “lawlessness” in Delhi in the wake of Patiala House court attacks and the way the government has handled the JNU row as also the Rohith Vemula suicide and the agitation in FTII in Pune.
Speaking to the media after submitting a memorandum to the President, he also referred to the suicide by Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula in Hyderabad and accused the Hindutva organisation of “crushing” him.
Copy of the Memorandum submitted to the President of India >pic.twitter.com/n4EjvXftrZ
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) >February 18, 2016
The scenes of utter lawlessness playing out on the premises of the court are an affront to the democratic ideals of this country
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) >February 18, 2016
NDA Govt has displayed a dangerous tendency of undermining democratic freedoms and crushing the voices of those who do not share their views
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) >February 18, 2016
“It is not the government’s job to destroy institutions ...Bad signals have been sent out in India and abroad. It is a blot on the country’s image,” he said.
Accused by BJP chief Amit Shah of “supporting traitors” Mr. Gandhi hit back saying, “Nationalism is in my blood. I have seen my family making sacrifices again and again for this country.”
Only Wednesday, Congress had demanded immediate removal of Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi.
Citing the attacks in Patiala House court here, Congress had yesterday alleged that “jungle raj” is prevailing in Delhi.
Here is the full text of the memorandum
Respected Hon'ble President
As we submit this memorandum to you, the country is gripped in a serious crisis.
The scenes of utter lawlessness playing out on the premises of the court in the heart of the capital are an affront to the democratic ideals of this country. Journalists, students and teachers are being physically assaulted inside and outside the court premises by a BJP legislator and workers, while the Police look the other way and the government remains complacent and silent Despite a direct order from the Supreme Court to ensure adequate security outside Papa's House Court, the government has refused to prevent attacks on journalists and students.
The Supreme Court Panel appointed to assess the situation was itself subjected to abuse and assault. Such lawlessness in defiance of a Supreme Court directive on two occasions by the same set of people some of whom are identified with the ruling dispensation on various fora cannot but be without the tacit support, encouragement or at best, the indifference of the ruling establishment. The government's complete failure in managing tensions and restoring law and order and its refusal to protect the democratic rights of its citizens is a cause of deep concern to us.
The attack on the press appears to be designed to intimidate and threaten the fourth pillar of our democracy, to prevent them from doing their job without fear or favour This does not bode well for our democracy. It is unacceptable.
Unfortunately, the violence at Patiala House Court is not an isolated incident. Over the last few months, the NDA government has displayed a dangerous tendency of undermining democratic freedoms and crushing the voices of those who do not share their views. Last month, Rohith Vemula a PhD student at Hyderabad Central University was pushed to commit suicide after he was deemed anti-national merely for his association with the Ambedkar Students Association (ASA). Most worryingly such intimidation and violence is taking place with alarming regularity in our Universities, which are meant to nurture new ideas, encourage debate and discussion. Across the country, whether in JNU, in Hyderabad Central University, in FTII and other places of learning, students are being bullied and threatened, simply for holding views contrary to the ruling establishment
The Congress Party and its leadership condemn any expression of anti-nationalism outright. Those indulging in such behaviour must be identified and dealt with strictly. But we are here as representatives of all the young and vibrant students who love and believe in the founding ideals of our nation and our constitution. Their right to debate, dissent, criticize and express their views fearlessly must be defended.
As representatives of the people of India, we cannot stand by quietly as the government fails to do its duty by the people. We are here to place our concerns before you and request your assistance in ensuring that immediate action is taken to check the state of lawlessness and subversion of democratic rights. As the patron of Universities, we call upon you to protect their freedom and uphold the values that built our nation.
