SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Modi-led Union government, asserting that the crackdown on protesting students in Delhi marks the beginning of the central government’s downfall.
Speaking to news agency PTI Video, the senior Congress leader accused the Centre of lacking faith in democratic dialogue and relying solely on the misuse of power to govern.
“The youth were protesting peacefully, demanding a secure future and a fair, transparent examination system,” said Singh, the son of six-time Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister late Virbhadra Singh. “Instead of engaging with the students, the government used tear gas and lathi-charged them, which is deeply unfortunate.”
Referring to the NEET paper leak controversy, Singh stated that the leak was only one aspect of a larger crisis, alleging that the entire education system has fallen victim to corruption. He noted that students across the country-from Kolkata and Mumbai to Bengaluru and Shimla-have taken to the streets demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
The minister added that the protesting students are also demanding Rs 1 crore in compensation for the families of aspirants who allegedly died by suicide out of desperation following the NEET paper leak. He accused the Centre of maintaining complete silence despite such tragedies.
“On one hand, the Prime Minister publicly declares that the youth are the future of the nation, but on the other hand, those same youth are being beaten with police batons,” Singh remarked, calling on the central government to clarify its stance on the lathi-charge incident.
Criticizing the Centre’s style of functioning, the Himachal minister alleged that the Modi government believes in running the country using every tactic at its disposal (Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed). He further charged the ruling party with coercing opposition MPs to join the BJP.
Singh pointed out that the Prime Minister has not held a single press conference in the last 12 years, adding that whenever any section of society questions government policies, they are labeled “anti-national.”
Warning of growing public anger, Singh said that every section of society is frustrated with the Centre’s policies and attitude, predicting that this discontent will soon transform into a major mass movement.
