‘First You Broke Bones, Now FIRs’: Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Modi, Amit Shah Over Action Against Student Protesters

New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday intensified the opposition's criticism of the Centre over the handling of recent student protests, alleging that the government had first used force against demonstrators and was now pursuing legal action against them.

In a strongly worded statement, Rahul Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying, "First you broke bones, now FIRs," while accusing the government of suppressing democratic dissent.

The Congress leader alleged that students exercising their democratic right to protest had faced police action and subsequent criminal cases. He argued that the government's response reflected an attempt to discourage peaceful demonstrations rather than address the concerns raised by students.

Rahul Gandhi further claimed that young people demanding accountability and reforms should be engaged through dialogue instead of facing legal action. He maintained that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic principle protected under the Constitution.

The remarks come amid continuing political controversy over police action against student protesters in the national capital. Opposition parties have questioned the use of force during the demonstrations and demanded that cases registered against students be reviewed.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has rejected the Congress's allegations, maintaining that law enforcement agencies acted in accordance with the law to maintain public order. Party leaders have argued that police responded to the prevailing law-and-order situation and that legal action was taken wherever violations of the law were reported.

The issue has triggered a wider political debate, with several opposition leaders accusing the Centre of curbing dissent, while the ruling party has accused the opposition of politicising the protests for electoral gains.

Student organisations have also continued to press their demands, calling for action on issues raised during the demonstrations and urging authorities to withdraw cases against those they describe as peaceful protesters.

With Parliament in session, the controversy is expected to remain a flashpoint between the government and the opposition, as both sides continue to trade allegations over the handling of the protests and the subsequent legal proceedings.