BJP, Oppn. take divergent view of police action on protesters

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Wednesday defended the Centre’s handling of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest, with MP Bansuri Swaraj saying the government had acted with “sensitivity” and remained open to dialogue. Her party colleague and Delhi Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh said Monday’s march to Parliament was “not peaceful” and its organisers must be held accountable for “outright lawlessness”.

‘Students are a priority’

Addressing a press conference, Ms. Swaraj said the government’s priority is to protect the students and ensure that their future remains uncompromised. “A safe future for children is the top priority of the [Narendra] Modi government,” she said.

Referring to the alleged NEET paper leak, Ms. Swaraj said the government acted swiftly after receiving information that the examination may have been compromised.

She said the Centre had consistently sought a dialogue with the CJP and that Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda had invited representatives of the agitation for talks.

On allegations of police excesses, Ms. Swaraj said around 118 police personnel were also injured during the protest march and urged those with evidence of misconduct to cooperate with the investigation.

“Policemen are also sons and daughters of this country, and they too deserve sympathy,” she said.

Mr. Singh shared a video on X purportedly showing a mob chasing and assaulting a Rapid Action Force (RAF) man.

“A protester kicks an RAF man to the ground, after which the mob surrounds and assaults him. This is not a peaceful protest. It is outright lawlessness. Those who organised and backed these protests must be held accountable for putting the lives of citizens and security personnel at risk,” the Minister said.

Dismissing the BJP leader’s claims, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) instead demanded action against Delhi Police over “use of excessive force against protesters” during the march. The party claimed that DCP-rank officers were caught on camera assaulting women during the protest.

Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj said several videos have surfaced showing senior police officers assaulting and misbehaving with women protesters. “However, no FIR has been registered and no officer has been suspended,” he added.

‘Must resign’

Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav, meanwhile, led a demonstration to the BJP headquarters, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged paper leaks.

Congress workers marched towards the BJP office and condemned the detention of Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi during a demonstration outside the Prime Minister’s residence on Tuesday evening.

“Each Congress worker is standing with Rahul Gandhi in his fight to protect the future of students,” Mr. Yadav said.