Guwahati, Aug. 11 -- Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress party over the alleged police action against protesting students in Jharkhand and challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to face a debate in Parliament instead of disrupting proceedings.

Addressing a press conference at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan in Guwahati, Hazarika condemned what he described as "barbaric" police excesses against students protesting in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and alleged question-paper leaks.

Hazarika alleged that the students had been protesting peacefully and in a disciplined manner while demanding action over issues concerning their employment opportunities and future....