Congress backs student protest against ally Hemant Soren's Jharkhand government

New Delhi: The Congress, a partner in Jharkhand's Hemant Soren government, said on Friday that the party, particularly Rahul Gandhi, is supporting the students' agitation in Ranchi over alleged examination malpractice in the state.

The AICC's statement came amid questions on Congress' stand on the Gen Z protest against Jharkhand's coalition government, especially after the party's support to the students' agitation in Delhi over the NEET question paper leak. "Rahul Gandhiji stands in full strength and solidarity with those students of Jharkhand who are agitating for their rights and justice. The struggles and concerns of our youth cannot be ignored. The Indian National Congress stands firmly with every student fighting for a fair, transparent and secure future," K Raju, AICC in-charge for Jharkhand, wrote in a social media post. A party delegation earlier urged CM Soren to form a ministerial committee to talk to the agitating students.

Congress also questioned RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's praise of the Gen Z, saying if he is serious, he should ask home minister to apologise for the police action against the agitating students in Delhi last month.