Congress Demands PM Modi's Apology Over Student Protest Crackdown, Says PM Is 'Playing Victim Card'
The Congress has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of playing the victim card instead of apologising for the police action against student protesters. Here's what the party said and why the latest political row has intensified.
A fresh political confrontation has emerged between the Congress and the Central Government after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks about the ongoing student protests. The opposition party accused the Prime Minister of "playing the victim card" instead of apologising for the police action against protesting students and the alleged failures surrounding examination paper leaks.
The controversy follows an Instagram video shared by the Prime Minister in which he said he had forgiven the "misguided youth" who allegedly used abusive language against him and his late mother during demonstrations.
Congress Targets PM Modi Over Instagram Remarks
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh strongly criticised the Prime Minister's statement, alleging that the government was attempting to divert attention from the concerns raised by students.
According to the Congress, the Prime Minister should apologise for the hardships faced by students instead of portraying himself as the victim.
The party also described the Prime Minister's recent social media interactions as an attempt to shift the public narrative away from the core issues being raised by the protesters.
What PM Modi Said
In an Instagram video shared on Friday night, Prime Minister Modi said it deeply pained him that abusive remarks had allegedly been made against him and even his late mother during the protests.
Despite expressing disappointment, he said he had chosen to forgive the "misguided children" and appealed to society to guide young people in the right direction rather than respond with anger.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the need to understand the frustration among the youth while encouraging a constructive approach to addressing their concerns.
Congress Demands an Apology
Reacting to the Prime Minister's comments, the Congress argued that the focus should remain on the issues affecting students.
The party demanded that the Prime Minister apologise for:
- The alleged trauma caused by examination paper leaks.
- The police action against student protesters.
- The difficulties faced by lakhs of students during the examination controversy.
Congress leaders claimed that students deserved answers and accountability rather than political messaging.
Jairam Ramesh's Response
In a post on social media, Jairam Ramesh alleged that the Prime Minister was attempting to portray himself as the victim despite the concerns raised by students across the country.
He also accused the government of using strong political rhetoric against opponents while expecting restraint from critics.
According to the Congress leader, the nation expects the government to address the issues raised by students instead of focusing on personal attacks and counter-allegations.
Student Protests Continue to Dominate Political Debate
The controversy comes amid continuing nationwide discussions over examination reforms and the alleged irregularities surrounding competitive examinations.
Student organisations and several opposition parties have demanded greater transparency, accountability, and stronger safeguards to prevent future examination-related controversies.
The issue has also been repeatedly raised during the ongoing Parliament session, with opposition leaders seeking detailed discussions on examination reforms.
Political Reactions Intensify
The exchange between the government and the opposition has further intensified the political debate surrounding education and youth issues.
While the government has defended its actions and highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the examination system, opposition parties continue to demand greater accountability and immediate corrective measures.
The issue is expected to remain a major topic of discussion both inside and outside Parliament.
Government Maintains Focus on Examination Reforms
The Central Government has repeatedly stated that it is committed to improving the country's examination system through stronger security measures, technological upgrades, and stricter action against those involved in examination-related irregularities.
Officials have maintained that investigations into alleged paper leaks are continuing and that reforms are being implemented to strengthen the credibility of competitive examinations.
Political Debate Likely to Continue
With Parliament in session and education remaining a politically sensitive issue, both the government and the opposition are expected to continue raising the matter in the coming days.
Student protests, examination reforms, and accountability are likely to remain at the centre of national political discussions as demands for systemic improvements continue.
Final Thoughts
The latest exchange between the Congress and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has added another chapter to the ongoing political debate over student protests and examination reforms. While the Prime Minister has appealed for forgiveness and constructive engagement with the youth, the Congress insists that the government should apologise for the police action against protesters and address the concerns arising from examination-related controversies. As political tensions continue and Parliament debates education reforms, the focus is expected to remain on ensuring a fair, transparent, and credible examination system for millions of students across the country.