Pralhad Joshi Criticises Rahul Gandhi Over Parliament Street Police Station Visit
NEW DELHI — Union minister Pralhad Joshi has accused Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of staging a drama at the Parliament Street police station in New Delhi, where Gandhi sought an FIR regarding an alleged pellet-gun injury sustained by student protester Sahil Lochab.
According to Joshi, the visit was an attempt to deflect public attention and political backlash away from the Congress party regarding its resolution on the national song, Vande Mataram.
Joshi questioned the timing of Rahul Gandhi's visit to the police station, noting that Parliament had adjourned sine die on the morning of August 13, whereas Gandhi visited the police station on August 20.
Addressing the matter, Joshi stated that the Supreme Court had already constituted a committee to look into the issue. He asserted that whenever the Supreme Court sets up a committee, an enquiry covers every action, commission, and omission.
Joshi alleged that Gandhi's actions followed public anger over the Congress Working Committee's decision regarding Vande Mataram. The Congress Working Committee decided that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be sung at party events, citing a 1937 resolution.
Joshi questioned the Congress party's commitment to constitutional principles and claimed the demonstration at the police station was intended solely to shift focus from the controversy surrounding the party's resolution.
