Expressing concern over the condition of government schools in Karnataka after a portion of the ceiling collapsed on students in Bagalkot, Leader of Opposition R. Ashok targeted the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ (voice of students) initiative of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

“Mr. Rahul Gandhi, how about doing a ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ in this Karnataka’s khatakhat roof school?” Mr. Ashok posted on social media.

“You’ve done the nyay (justice) speeches. You’ve sold the guarantees. You’ve shouted khatakhat (instantly). Now come hear these students.” Mr. Ashok told Mr. Gandhi in the post, while stating: “In Bagalkot, children were sitting in class when the school roof came crashing down.”

“These aren’t statistics. They’re children. And, this isn’t some forgotten corner of a third-world country. This is Karnataka. This is Congress-ruled Karnataka. A party that lectures India on nyay cannot guarantee a safe classroom. A government that promises guarantees can’t even guarantee the roof over a child’s head,” he said.

He demanded that Mr. Gandhi visit this school and hear the voices of the children, and then answer to the country.