Jaipur, July 21 (IANS) Former Rajasthan Leader of the Opposition Rajendra Rathore on Tuesday criticised Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, describing his support for the recent student protest as a “political gimmick” and alleging that it undermined the dignity of democratic institutions.
Rathore said the Congress has become accustomed to resorting to political theatrics to compensate for what he described as its shrinking public support.
He alleged that LoP Rahul Gandhi, while holding a responsible constitutional position, had attempted to politicise the students’ protest for partisan gains. Referring to the recent protest, Rathore said the agitating students had already held discussions with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Union Minister J.P. Nadda, who listened to their concerns and initiated steps to address their demands.
“The focus should now be on constructive dialogue rather than political drama,” he said. Rathore further alleged that the Congress was seeking to divert attention from India’s economic growth and development by creating unnecessary political controversies.
Targeting former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Rathore said it was ironic that he was now participating in protests over issues affecting students.
He alleged that during the previous Congress government, question paper leaks occurred in 17 consecutive recruitment examinations, severely affecting the future of lakhs of job aspirants. He further claimed that appointments were compromised during that period and referred to the arrest of former Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) member Babulal Katara, alleging that the episode had damaged the credibility of the constitutional recruitment body.
Rathore also alleged that students protesting against paper leaks during the previous regime were subjected to police action, including lathi-charge, and that the then Chief Minister did not meet the protesters. “Today, the Congress is expressing concern for students, but such political gimmicks will not erase its past record,” he said.
Rathore asserted that the BJP governments at the Centre and in Rajasthan were providing employment opportunities through transparent recruitment processes. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, employment generation had received a significant boost through initiatives such as job fairs and recruitment drives.
He also claimed that India’s unemployment rate is currently at one of its lowest levels and alleged that Rajasthan ranked second in the country for unemployment during the Congress government’s tenure.
–IANS
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