- By Shubham Bajpai
- Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:29 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah over the government's response to the students' protest. Targeting PM Modi, Gandhi called the apology video by a 15-year-old girl a forced statement.
"Forcing them (students) first, sending gundas to their house, forcibly demanding an apology of a 15-year-old girl and then accepting that apology is complete nonsense. We do not accept it, we want an education system that works, we want exam leaks to stop, and we want the future of this country to be respected and protected," he said.
Attacking Amit Shah, Gandhi alleged that the BJP was responsible for the violence against youth during the protests and that he did not dare to explain in Parliament what happened to the students.
Rahul Gandhi said this while addressing the media after a meeting with five student protesters, who he said were targeted during the demonstration.
"They were assaulted during the demonstration and continued to be abused on social media even after the demonstration ended. Rahul Gandhi said they had done nothing wrong and did not need to apologise,' he said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "I just met and spoke with young protesters from different states. I want to thank them, and I am proud of thousands of students like them, as they have fought for the Constitution, the education system, and the future of India."
"They told me how they were attacked, beaten and threatened... They defended the Constitution. They defended the idea of India and the future of India," Rahul Gandhi said.
BJP retorts
Reacting to Gandhi's statement, BJP hit back, saying that children must not be used to play politics.
Speaking at a press conference, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "One should never attempt to play politics by using innocent children, resting a gun on their shoulders, as Rahul Gandhi is doing. Children are the future of our country; they are not at fault... to the children who were with Rahul Gandhi today, I would like to say with great affection: stay fearless... We want to expose the false narrative and the 'bunch of lies' that Rahul Gandhi is trying to propagate, and the selective approach he has adopted. The country's children should remain fearless... Whenever the need arises for movements or the like, one should not be afraid of them."