Sirsa MP, former Union Minister and Congress National General Secretary Kumari Selja has asserted that issues concerning students, youth, farmers, sportspersons and the common people cannot be ignored in a democracy, stating that the Congress will strongly raise these concerns during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.  Selja, who is also a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) and the party’s AICC in-charge for Uttarakhand, said democratic values demand that peaceful public dissent and citizens’ concerns be respected, while governments must remain accountable to the people.   She said the Congress has consistently highlighted serious issues affecting the education sector, including alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and the concerns of students across the country. According to her, the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign, which began in Kota and Dehradun, has now evolved into a nationwide platform reflecting the aspirations and frustrations of India’s youth. “The concerns of students and young people will be raised with full force in Parliament so that the government is held accountable and meaningful reforms in the education system can be ensured,” Selja said.  She added that the Opposition’s constitutional responsibility is to serve as the voice of the people. Congress MPs in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, she said, will seek detailed discussions on education, employment, farmers’ welfare, inflation, law and order, and other issues of public importance during the session. Commenting on political developments in Uttarakhand, Selja said Congress programmes in the state have been receiving an encouraging public response. She announced that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is expected to lead a major party event in early August, followed by a series of programmes involving other senior leaders.  According to Selja, the political atmosphere in Uttarakhand is changing rapidly and public support for the Congress is steadily growing ahead of future electoral battles.  On another issue, the senior Congress leader said the party leadership has written to the Prime Minister seeking an independent and impartial inquiry into the alleged financial irregularities linked to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.  She said transparency is essential in matters connected with the faith of millions of devotees and called for a comprehensive public disclosure of donations, including cash, gold, silver and other offerings made to the trust.  Reiterating the Congress party’s political stand, Selja said the party remains committed to public welfare, transparency, accountability and the protection of democratic values, and will continue to raise issues affecting youth, farmers, women and ordinary citizens through constitutional and democratic means.

POD/DESK