‘You take credit for Mars, now take responsibility': Priyanka targets PM Modi over protests

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the ongoing student protests, accusing him of taking credit for the country's achievements while refusing to accept responsibility for the concerns of young people.Speaking to reporters in Parliament, Priyanka alleged that students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak and related issues had been subjected to police action, and questioned the government's handling of the demonstrations.Priyanka questions PM over police action on studentsReferring to Prime Minister Modi's social media post earlier in the day, Priyanka said there was a contradiction between the government's stated concern for students and its actions on the ground."He takes credit for going to Mars, he takes credit for every achievement which is the achievement of our youth and the achievement of our people. He takes credit, doesn't he? So now is the time for him to take responsibility for his actions," she said.Alleging that students were lathi-charged and tear-gassed during the protests, she added, "Modi ji is responsible for our youth feeling that there is no future. Modi ji is responsible if our children who are demonstrating... he is tear-gassing them and having them lathi-charged. If something happens to even one of them, it is his responsibility."Questioning reports of internet restrictions in parts of central Delhi, Priyanka asked, "Are we living in a democracy? Students are not terrorists. Their parents would be worried, their families would be worried, they cannot contact anyone."Earlier in the day, she also urged the Centre to engage with the protesting students, saying they had "lost faith in the system".Speaking to news agency ANI, she said the government should address their demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and action over the alleged assault on protesters."He is a leader, and the time has come to show leadership. Listen to the demands of the students... If you have faith in the students, then why are the students being lathi-charged? If you are worried about the students, then call and speak with them," she said.PM announces fast-track courts as Parliament protests intensifyPriyanka's remarks came hours after Prime Minister Modi issued his first public response to the ongoing agitation, announcing that the government would set up fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment for those involved in paper leak cases."Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared," PM Modi wrote on X.The controversy continued to dominate the Monsoon Session of Parliament, where NDA and INDIA bloc MPs staged rival protests outside Parliament over the NEET issue and the Opposition's demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.Tensions briefly escalated at Makar Dwar as MPs from both sides confronted each other, prompting Parliament security personnel to form a human chain to separate the two groups.BJP leaders accused the Opposition of avoiding a debate on the issue, while Congress leaders maintained that accountability must begin with the resignation of the education minister.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.