New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday strongly criticised the police action against students during the CJP’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest in Delhi, comparing the crackdown to the colonial-era repression under General Dyer. He alleged that the use of force against young protesters was unacceptable in a democracy and accused the Centre of suppressing the voices of students instead of addressing their concerns.
In a sharp remark directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kejriwal said, “Modi ji, ye desh aapke pita ji ka nahi hai. Dhamkiyan dena band karo, nahi to desh ke log aisa sabak sikhaayenge ki itihaas yaad rakhega ki ek tanashah ka kaisa haal hua tha.”
Calling the injured students “the future of the country”, Kejriwal announced a series of support measures for those affected by the police action. He said the AAP would provide free legal assistance to students and protesters who were detained or booked in connection with the protest. The party also announced medical assistance for those injured during the clashes and urged affected students to reach out for help through a dedicated helpline.
AAP launched a special helpline to coordinate legal and medical support for protesters. According to the party, volunteers and lawyers have been assigned to help detained students secure legal representation, while medical teams will assist those requiring treatment after the violence.
Kejriwal also appealed to students and their families not to feel isolated, assuring them that his party would stand with them throughout the legal process and recovery. He said the crackdown had shocked the nation and questioned why students demanding examination reforms were met with force instead of dialogue.
The announcement came a day after violent clashes erupted during the CJP’s Parliament march, in which Delhi Police used batons and tear gas to disperse protesters. Police maintain that force was used after some protesters attempted to breach barricades and allegedly resorted to stone-pelting. Protest organisers, however, have denied the allegations and accused the police of using excessive force against a largely peaceful demonstration.
Kejriwal’s intervention adds to the growing political response over the handling of the protest, with several opposition leaders demanding accountability for the police action and calling for a dialogue with students over their demands for examination reforms and greater transparency in the education system.
