Sonia accuses PM, Shah of raising divisive issues

“Real issue facing India today is the collapse of economic activity and slowing growth and development facing all section of society, especially the poor and disadvantaged. It is for us to work together and thwart the designs of this government,” she said,  setting the tone for deliberations at the meeting of 20 like-minded parties convened by her to discuss issues like the CAA and NRC and the current student unrest. Gandhi said the NRC seemed to have backfired in Assam. The Modi-Shah government is now focusing on NPR exercise that is scheduled to begin in a few months. 

“Contrary to the assertions of the Home Minister, it is clear that this is being done to lead to a nationwide NRC,” she said. 

Sonia Gandhi said the government has let loose a reign of oppression, spreading hatred and trying to divide people along sectarian lines.  “There is unprecedented turmoil today.  The Constitution is being undermined and the instruments of governance are being misused.  Students and the young have in particular been targeted.  In several parts of the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh, large sections of the population are being harassed and attacked,” she said.

Gandhi said the response of the UP and Delhi police has been “shockingly partisan and brutal” in tackling the spontaneous protests of youth.

Gandhi said the nation has watched in horror at BJP-orchestrated assault on JNU coming so soon after what happened in Jamia, BHU, Allahabad University and AMU and other institutions of higher learning. “The Modi-Shah government stands exposed for its inability to govern and to provide security to the people,” she said