New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS) Lok Sabha MP Sambit Patra on Wednesday strongly criticised Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi for using children to spread confusion and for selectively raising issues while ignoring the plight of protesting students in Jharkhand.
Addressing the media at the BJP Central Office, Patra said it was extremely unfortunate that Rahul Gandhi was building a political narrative by involving children who had participated in the “Sansad Chalo” protest in Delhi on July 20.
He categorically stated that no firing had taken place during the protest and that it was inappropriate to create political confusion through innocent children.
“Children are the future of the nation. They belong to everyone. Whether Sharma or Khan, every child is equally the future of India; politics of dividing children based on religion will never succeed,” Patra asserted.
He clarified that his remarks were directed solely at Rahul Gandhi and not at the children present with him, and extended greetings to the young participants, urging them to remain fearless.
The BJP spokesperson accused Rahul Gandhi of following a selective approach by highlighting the Delhi protest while remaining silent on the suffering of students in Jharkhand, where Congress is in power.
Referring to a recent media report, he quoted a gold medallist student named Pratiksha from Ranchi who is battling depression and panic attacks due to examination irregularities and paper leaks in JPSC and JSSC exams.
Patra said Rahul Gandhi was conveniently ignoring these voices rising against his own party’s government.
He also rejected Rahul Gandhi’s allegations regarding the absence of the Union Home Minister in Parliament.
Patra said the Home Minister reaches the House early and often stays late, but proceedings are repeatedly disrupted by Congress MPs through uproar, placards and desk-thumping, preventing meaningful discussion.
Patra emphasised that the BJP stands with all children of the country irrespective of religion, caste or politics.
He said attempts to sow division through children are wrong and that the nation progresses only through the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Prayas.
–IANS
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