Ranchi Student Protests: Shiv Sena Targets Rahul Gandhi, Questions 'Silence' of Certain Sections

Mumbai: The political row over the recent student protests in Ranchi intensified on Monday after Shiv Sena targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning what it called the "silence" of certain sections on comparable incidents in other parts of the country.

The party's leaders accused Rahul Gandhi of selectively raising issues involving student protests and police action while remaining silent on similar episodes under governments led by parties aligned with the Opposition. They argued that political leaders should adopt a consistent approach when commenting on issues related to law enforcement and democratic protests.

The criticism comes after Rahul Gandhi condemned the use of force against student protesters in Jharkhand, describing the police action as unacceptable and urging authorities to respect the democratic right to peaceful protest.

Shiv Sena leaders maintained that incidents involving public demonstrations should be assessed on the basis of facts rather than political considerations. They also questioned why, according to them, some political groups and civil society organisations do not react with the same intensity to every incident of alleged police excess.

The exchange has further sharpened the political divide between the ruling alliance and the Opposition, with both sides accusing each other of politicising the issue.

The controversy has unfolded during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, where the handling of student protests has emerged as one of the major issues raised by Opposition parties. The Congress has demanded accountability over the police action, while the BJP and its allies have accused the Opposition of using the issue to disrupt parliamentary proceedings.

Political observers believe the Ranchi protests are likely to remain a key point of contention in the coming days as parties continue to exchange allegations over governance, law and order, and the treatment of student demonstrators.