New Delhi, Jul 23 (PTI) The Congress on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he vowed strict action against those involved in paper leaks and asserted that nothing was more important than the welfare and future of the country’s youth. The opposition party accused the prime minister of failing students, destroying the education system and attempting to deflect attention through social media assurances.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi was the first to hit back at Modi’s post, accusing the prime minister of doing the greatest damage to the country’s youth and shielding those responsible for the crisis in the education sector.
“You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most. You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system – and protected every person responsible for it,” Rahul wrote on X.
“The students’ demands are clear: 1. Sack Dharmendra Pradhan. 2. Apologise to the students. 3. Take action against those who assaulted them,” Rahul said.
You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most.
You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system – and protected every person responsible for it.
The students’ demands are clear:
1. Sack Dharmendra Pradhan.
2. Apologise to… https://t.co/0MK4wPMNiK— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 23, 2026
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also launched a blistering attack on the prime minister, asking him to step out and face students who had protested against alleged exam irregularities.
“Narendramodi ji, Education system has corroded under your watch. We do not need platitudes or peacemeal announcements. Your government lathicharged the youth, used pellet guns, shock batons, indiscriminate brutality with impunity, as if they are not our own children,” he said on X while referring to the student protests against exam irregularities.
.@narendramodi ji,
Education system has corroded under your watch. We do not need platitudes or piecemeal announcements.
Your government lathicharged the youth, used pellet guns, shock batons, indiscriminate brutality with impunity, as if they are not our own children.
Come…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 23, 2026
“Come out of your air-conditioned ivory towers and look into the eyes of the young men and women who bled on the streets, fighting your dictatorship,” he said.
The Congress chief said the youth only want “three simple demands to be fulfilled — “1) Immediately sack Education Minister Pradhan. 2) Apologise for the punitive action & atrocities and 3) Provide justice to those who you targeted.”
Kharge also alleged that the RSS had captured the education system and raised concerns over unemployment.
“Youth Unemployment is skyrocketing at 29% (PLFS). No Private jobs, handful of permanent government jobs. Contractualisation at its peak. All doors are shut. Where does the youth go to demand a future?” he said.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said Modi’s social media post reflected political discomfort rather than concern for students.
“The PM does not have the courage to stand up in Parliament, speak and engage in serious debate like all his predecessors did when the occasion demanded,” Ramesh said.
“This morning he has put out a social media post to show that he is concerned with the issues being raised by students across the country.”
“Actually, the post, such as it is, demonstrates that he is shaken and rattled,” he said.
“Vote Chori, Seat Chori, Chanda Chori, Exam Paper Chori’ – the list goes on and on,” Ramesh added on X.
प्रधानमंत्री में संसद में खड़े होकर बोलने और गंभीर बहस में हिस्सा लेने का साहस नहीं है, जैसा कि उनसे पहले के सभी प्रधानमंत्रियों ने समय की मांग होने पर किया है।
आज सुबह उन्होंने एक सोशल मीडिया पोस्ट के जरिए यह दिखाने की कोशिश की है कि उन्हें देशभर के छात्रों द्वारा उठाए जा रहे…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 23, 2026
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal dismissed Modi’s remarks as a “complete eyewash” and said students would not be satisfied without concrete action.
“Mr. Modi is living in fool’s paradise if he thinks the youth will settle for this. Their demands remain clear:- Dharmendra Pradhan must resign-PM Modi must apologise-Punishment for the assaulters who attacked peaceful protesters,” he stated.
Speaking to reporters in Parliament, Venugopal said, “These are false claims. Nobody believes his words anymore. His credibility has already been lost. There has been no action from the government. First of all, he must remove Dharmendra Pradhan from the Education Ministry. Only then should he talk to the students.”
The Congress’ criticism came after Modi announced that the government would establish fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.
“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!” Modi said in a post on X.
“We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard.”
“This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students.”
“Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” the prime minister asserted.
The exchange comes amid continuing protests by students and opposition parties over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak, with the Congress demanding accountability from the Centre and the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
