NEW DELHI: Congress Rajya Sabha member Pawan Khera on Saturday attacked the PM Modi-led Centre over a US Senate bill proposing tougher sanctions on countries buying Russian oil, questioning whether India is truly free to make its own decisions.Speaking to news agency ANI in Prayagraj, Khera alleged India was being pressured by other countries over its purchases of Russian oil.He said, “Does it look like India is truly independent? Anyone who comes blackmails India; anyone who comes along dictates terms, saying you can buy oil from here, you can buy this much, you cannot buy that much. Demand answers from those who go around the country calling themselves ‘Vishwaguru’ but lack the courage to even enter Parliament. They lack the courage because all these issues would be raised, and they would be held accountable for everything.“His remarks came after the US Senate passed the Russia Sanctions Bill, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The bill could impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five countries, including India and China, that buy Russian crude oil and natural gas.Khera also backed the protesting students in Jharkhand and said their concerns should be addressed as the agitation over alleged irregularities in the recruitment process continues.“Can the mistreatment of women at Jantar Mantar, the use of pellet guns, or the firing of AK-47 in Bihar ever be erased from history? Rahul ji spoke about the situation in Jharkhand as well. Our delegation met with the students there, and the local government is also engaging in dialogue, trying to find a way forward,” he further said.The Jharkhand protests began after the results of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination were announced on July 5. Aspirants have alleged irregularities in the recruitment process and have been holding round-the-clock protests and an indefinite sit-in, demanding transparency and accountability.Khera said both the government and the Opposition have a responsibility to address the students’ concerns. His remarks came ahead of Rahul Gandhi‘s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Prayagraj, where the Congress leader is expected to raise issues affecting students and job aspirants.“Students have certain demands and concerns. Addressing those concerns is the duty of both the ruling party and the opposition. You can see what the ruling party is doing; the government’s actions at Jantar Mantar were evident to all. As for the opposition, Rahul Gandhi’s daily actions make their stance clear. The message to the youth is clear: you are not alone. The country’s opposition stands firmly with you,” he told ANI.
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Rahul is scheduled to hold the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme at KP Ground in Prayagraj on Saturday.The grand old party has positioned the event as a platform to highlight concerns over paper leaks, stalled recruitments, rising education costs and alleged irregularities in examinations.
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