Panaji: The Goa unit of the BJP on Tuesday sought an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his alleged silence on a students’ protest in Jharkhand, accusing the party of adopting “double standards” on issues concerning the youth.
Addressing a press conference here, BJP MLA and State Minister Mauvin Godinho alleged that students in Jharkhand were subjected to atrocities and police action despite protesting for their demands.
“This exposes the double standards of the Congress party. When students protested at Jantar Mantar, the Congress was at the forefront and accused the BJP government of being anti-student. The party claimed to have the highest regard for the sentiments of the youth,” Godinho said.
He alleged that the Congress had maintained silence over the protests in Jharkhand despite being in power in the state.
“Students were stopped in Jharkhand by putting up barbed wire. They still managed to cross it. The government does not want to listen to the voice of the students,” he said.
Godinho questioned Rahul Gandhi’s silence on the issue and demanded that the Congress leader apologise to the protesting students.
“Where is Rahul Gandhi now? Why is the Congress silent? Rahul Gandhi should tender an apology to the students,” he said.
The BJP leader accused the Congress of raising its voice in support of students when it was politically convenient, while remaining silent when similar protests took place in a state where the party was in power.
