HighLights
  1. Rahul Gandhi demands Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's immediate sacking.
  2. Criticizes PM Modi's midnight video as insulting students' intelligence.
  3. Calls for punishment for those who beat protesting students.

Students Protest: Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, in a response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's midnight video message to the students, reiterated his demands for the sacking of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi asked the prime minister to "not insult" the intelligence of the students. He further listed his three demands as the protest against the paper leak intensifies, including Pradhan's resignation and an apology.

Rahul Reiterates Demands

In his post, the senior Congress leader reiterated that the students have been demanding the resignation of Pradhan. "Mr Modi, our students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Don't insult their intelligence with this pathetic midnight video," Gandhi asserted. "1. Sack Pradhan. 2. Punish those who beat students. 3. Apologise," the Congress leader added.

Earlier in a midnight video, PM Modi stated that a draft has been prepared to establish fast-track courts and strengthen punishments. The prime minister further stated that the draft will be discussed in the cabinet tomorrow and the government will try to pass it soon.

ALSO READ: 'More Strict Action In Tomorrow’s Cabinet Meet': PM Modi In Video Message To Nation As Paper Leak Protests Rock Nation

PM Modi's Midnight Video 

"Today I have issued directions to the departments to set up fast-track courts. The departments worked tirelessly and, late last night, provided me with a draft. This draft, which includes provisions for Fast-Track Courts and stringent punishments, will be discussed in the Cabinet tomorrow," Modi said in his video message.

"Efforts will be made to get this Bill passed in the House as soon as possible, as the second week of the Parliament session begins on Monday," the prime minister added. The announcements were made as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led student protest intensified recently.

While the government has agreed to a detailed discussion on the paper leak in the ongoing monsoon session of the parliament, the opposition, especially Congress, has demanded to sack Pradhan to initiate any debate on the issue.

ALSO READ: PM Modi's Paper Leak Crackdown Plan, Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Fast, CJP Escalates Protest | What We Know So Far


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