Madhya Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Hemant Khandelwal on Tuesday, 11 August accused Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of applying “double standards” on student issues, specifically calling out Gandhi’s silence over police action against protesting students in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Khandelwal made the remarks at a press conference in Bhopal, drawing a pointed contrast between Gandhi’s vocal criticism of police action against protesters in Delhi and his alleged silence on a similar incident in Congress-backed Jharkhand.

The Double Standards Charge

Khandelwal questioned why Gandhi, who had strongly criticised police conduct during student protests in Delhi, had not spoken out over what the BJP described as a lathi-charge against peaceful student demonstrators in Ranchi. “We all witnessed the barbaric treatment meted out to children recently in the capital of Jharkhand. These children were staging a peaceful and dignified protest — without any abusive language. Yet, the Jharkhand government, which is running with the support of the Congress, ordered a lathi-charge against these children. Where did the voice of Rahul Gandhi go regarding the Ranchi incident, after he had spoken so vocally about the Delhi incident?” Khandelwal said.

Background: Ranchi Student Protests

The protests in Ranchi erupted over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The agitation escalated when protesters marched towards the Jharkhand Assembly, prompting police to use force to disperse them. The BJP has sought to convert the incident into a political liability for the Congress, which is part of the ruling alliance in the state.

What the BJP Said About Parliament

Khandelwal also levelled criticism at the Opposition over disruptions in Parliament, alleging that Gandhi was more interested in constructing a political narrative than in allowing the government to respond to Opposition-raised concerns. He stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was prepared to address questions related to students and directly challenged Gandhi to raise the Ranchi issue on the floor of the House.

“Rahul Gandhi creates narratives based on falsehoods; he constantly spreads lies. Amit Shah is ready to respond to every point and discuss the welfare of students. We are prepared to directly challenge Rahul Gandhi: come to the House and discuss the Ranchi incident. Allow the answers to be given without obstruction; let the House function,” Khandelwal said.

Examination Irregularities and Parliamentary Accountability

The BJP maintained that the government remains willing to debate examination-related concerns in Parliament. The Opposition, meanwhile, has continued to press for accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and had earlier demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the matter. The standoff reflects a broader pattern of parliamentary gridlock over student-welfare issues, with both sides accusing the other of blocking meaningful debate.

What Comes Next

With the Jharkhand student protests still simmering and Parliament in session, the BJP’s challenge to Gandhi to raise the Ranchi issue in the House could intensify pressure on the Opposition to either engage on the floor or risk being seen as selectively vocal on student rights. How the Congress responds in the coming days will likely shape the political narrative heading into Jharkhand’s electoral calendar.