Sonia Gandhi lashes out, claims 'Powers trying to shut youth's voices' amid NEET & GST row

Speaking at Bhumi pujan ceremony of new Chhattisgarh Assembly building via video-conference, Congress interim-chief Sonia Gandhi, on Saturday, lamented at threat posed to our democracy and Constitution. She said that our ancestors could never have imagined that  'such a tough situation after 75 years of independence'. Lashing out at ruling party, she said that powers were spewing hate and trying to shut voices of youth, women, tribals and ors.

NEET-JEE Row: Sonia Gandhi chairs meeting with 7 CMs; Mamata says 'Let's approach SC'

Sonia Gandhi: 'Powers trying to shut youths' voices'

"Powers that want people to fight are spreading poison of hate in country. Freedom of expression is under threat, democracy is being destroyed. y want India's people, our tribals, women, youth to keep ir mouths shut. ne of our ancestors, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru & BR Ambedkar, would have imagined that our country will be facing such a tough situation after 75 years of independence when our democracy and Constitution are under threat," said Ga

West Bengal lockdown extended till Sep 20; CM Mamata keeps colleges shut amid NEET-JEE row

Gandhi bands n-NDA CMs on JEE-NEET row & GST

On Wednesday, chief ministers of even n-NDA ruled states vowed to put up a united fight over issue of n-payment of GST compensation to states by Centre and to protect federal structure. At a meeting called by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, chief ministers of Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Puducherry and West Bengal called for joint action on GST issue and decided to collectively petition prime minister at earliest. In response, Centre has given two borrowing options to alleviate state's GST dues -  reasonable interest rate for borrowing of Rs 97,000 crore to be paid after five years ending 2022 from cess collection or borrow entire Rs 2.35 lakh crore shortfall.

Ex-FM Chidambaram advises states to reject Centre's two 'borrowing' options for GST dues

in same meeting, Gandhi criticised Modi govt for dealing with problems of students uncaringly. "Anuncements such as those related to National Education Policy should really worry us as it is actually a setback. Or problems of students & exams are also being dealt with uncaringly," said Gandhi. While most CMs agreed to seek deferment of NEET/JEE exams, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee urged all state CMs to approach Supreme Court if Centre does t listen to her plea to postpone exams. Gandhi was recently given an extended term as interim-chief of party till Congress hold fresh elections, convening an AICC meeting.

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