Opposition steps up attack on Modi govt over Ukraine evacuation after student's killing

Condoling the death of an Indian student in Ukraine's Kharkiv during ongoing Russian invasion, the Opposition on Tuesday stepped up attack on the Narendra Modi government over evacuation from the war-hit country, with the Congress saying the dispensation does "only photo ops, no action".

Top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he has received the "tragic news" of an Indian student Naveen losing his life in Ukraine.

Also Read | Indian student in Ukraine killed in Kharkiv shelling: MEA

"My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. I reiterate, the Government of India needs a strategic plan for safe evacuation. Every minute is precious," he tweeted.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted on the killing of Naveen SG, "our deepest condolences to the family of a student from Karnataka, who has been shot dead."

Also read | Russia to continue Ukraine operation until goals achieved, says minister

"This is the tragedy where - BJP government has no evacuation plan; Modi government has abandoned our young; Prahlad Joshi decries and insults our students in Ukraine; Only photo ops, no action."

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi had said that 90% of Indians who study MBBS abroad fail to clear qualifying exams here.

In another tweet, Surjewala asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi what he would say to the family who lost their child due to the "insensitivity of your government".

"Between 20000 thousand Indians life is in danger every moment and you are engaged in doing all this?" Surjewala said tagging a media report about Modi's election campaign.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury described Naveen's death as tragic loss of life. "Deepest condolences. Urge the Government of India to further step up efforts to urgently ensure evacuation of all Indians. Further loss of young lives caught in crossfire must be prevented," he tweeted.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described Naveen's death as "very sad". "My deepest condolences to their families. May God give them courage in this time of sorrow. I request the government to make every effort to bring back all our students as soon as possible," she tweeted.

Senior Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tweeted, "this is an awful tragedy. My heart goes out to the family of the victim and the anxious families of all those still stuck in Ukraine. We must do everything possible to get them home."

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