NEW DELHI: The Congress on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using his address at Delhi University’s Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) as a “PR exercise”, alleging that he was rattled by party leader Rahul Gandhi’s youth outreach programme, Chhatron ki Goonj.
Congress in-charge of student affairs Kanhaiya Kumar, addressing a press conference, said students had expected the prime minister to speak about education, examinations and issues confronting young people, but alleged that Modi instead used the centenary celebrations of the prestigious institution for political messaging.
Kumar also claimed that students were not permitted to attend the event and that participation was restricted to selectively invited people.
At the SRCC centenary celebrations, Modi contrasted India’s situation in 2013 with its present position, saying the country had moved from “policy paralysis” to “policy dynamism”. He also took a swipe at those who, according to him, were responsible for India’s inclusion in the “Fragile Five” grouping in 2013 but were now unable to accept the country’s 7.8 per cent growth.
Modi said India was considerably more secure economically and socially than it was in 2013, adding that the country’s progress had increased the frustration of some people.
Kumar, however, alleged that the government had failed to address major concerns facing students and the wider population. He claimed that 25 government schools were shutting every day, two young people were dying by suicide every hour and unemployment was at its highest level.
Taking a dig at Modi’s 2013 SRCC speech, when he was Gujarat chief minister, Kumar referred to the prime minister’s analogy of a glass that was half-filled with water and half with air.
“But now I understand that the other half is filled with PR,” he said.
Kumar alleged that Chhatron ki Goonj, launched by Rahul Gandhi to highlight issues including examination paper leaks and government recruitment, had unsettled the BJP and prompted Modi to make a fresh attempt to connect with young voters.
He said the Congress planned to organise the programme at 800 locations across the country to raise issues concerning students and youth.
“PM Modi only talked about 2013 and 2047. He didn’t address any issues related to students or the people of the country,” Kumar said.
He accused the government of being unable to conduct examinations properly, alleging that paper leaks and subsequent cancellations had affected students.
Kumar further claimed that Delhi University students had expected Modi to discuss the education system but alleged that he did not address it. He also criticised the prime minister for not referring to the recent confrontation involving students at Jantar Mantar or the alleged use of pellet guns during protests seeking reforms in the examination system.
The Congress leader also accused Modi of remaining silent on what he termed the alleged “theft” of Ram temple donations and difficulties faced by consumers due to ethanol blending in petrol.
Kumar alleged that the prime minister’s appearance at SRCC was also aimed at influencing the September 18 Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections.
He further challenged Modi’s assertion that inflation was under control, citing the prices of petrol, sugar and milk. “Yet, the prime minister insists that inflation is under control,” Kumar said.