NEW DELHI: The political battle over student issues intensified on Monday as Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being the “most anti-youth Prime Minister in India’s history.” His remarks came after police action against protesters marching towards Parliament over repeated examination paper leaks and alleged failures in the country’s recruitment system.
Rahul Gandhi alleged that millions of young Indians have suffered because of repeated examination irregularities and unemployment, while accusing the Centre of failing to protect the future of students. The comments added a fresh political dimension to the ongoing nationwide debate over education reforms and accountability.
Rahul Gandhi Targets Modi Government
In a statement shared on social media, Rahul Gandhi criticized the government’s handling of student protests and questioned the use of police force against demonstrators.
He claimed that students raising legitimate concerns over examination paper leaks were met with barricades, detentions and police action instead of meaningful dialogue. According to Gandhi, the repeated leaks have shattered the dreams of lakhs of aspirants preparing for competitive examinations across the country.
The Congress leader also alleged that more than 150 examination papers had reportedly leaked in recent years, affecting nearly 7.5 crore students. He argued that despite the scale of the problem, those responsible had not been held accountable.
Protest Over Exam Leaks Reaches Parliament Area
The controversy erupted as thousands of protesters attempted to march towards Parliament demanding action over repeated examination leaks and recruitment-related issues.
Security arrangements were tightened across central Delhi, with police placing barricades and restricting movement near key government buildings. Authorities used tear gas and detained several protesters after they allegedly tried to breach security arrangements and continue the march toward Parliament.
The protest was led by youth activists and students demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, judicial monitoring of examination systems and stricter action against those involved in paper leak rackets.
Congress Extends Support To Students
Rahul Gandhi expressed solidarity with the protesting students, saying that demanding fair examinations and equal opportunities cannot be treated as a crime.
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He argued that instead of listening to students, the government had responded with force, describing the police action as unacceptable. Gandhi maintained that protecting the future of India’s youth should remain the government’s top priority rather than suppressing dissent.
Several Congress leaders also criticized the police response and demanded an independent investigation into repeated examination irregularities.
Government Begins Dialogue
Amid mounting pressure, a delegation representing the protesters met BJP national president and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda to submit a memorandum outlining their demands.
The meeting marked the first formal engagement between representatives of the protest movement and the government after weeks of demonstrations. Protest leaders sought comprehensive examination reforms, stronger anti-paper leak laws and greater transparency in recruitment processes.
However, protesters indicated that demonstrations would continue until concrete action is announced.
Student Issues Dominate Political Debate
The controversy has once again brought youth unemployment, competitive examinations and recruitment reforms to the centre of national politics.
Opposition parties argue that repeated examination cancellations and paper leaks have damaged the confidence of students preparing for government jobs and higher education admissions. They claim that prolonged uncertainty has increased stress among aspirants across the country.
The government, meanwhile, has maintained that it is committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in recruitment and education systems while appealing for peaceful protests.
Political Exchanges Intensify
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks came on a day of sharp exchanges between the ruling BJP and the Congress during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
While Gandhi accused the Modi government of failing India’s youth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the achievements of young innovators during his public remarks earlier in the day, triggering another round of political debate.
With Parliament in session and student protests continuing, the issue of examination reforms is expected to remain a major point of confrontation between the government and the Opposition in the coming days. The ongoing demonstrations have kept national attention focused on education policy, employment opportunities and the concerns of millions of young aspirants preparing for competitive examinations across India.
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