Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of the Narendra Modi government over its alleged handling of student protests, arguing that the Centre has responded to
dissent with force instead of accountability.
In an article written for The Hindu, titled “Either culpable or incompetent”, Gandhi argued that the anger visible on campuses and streets across the country is not confined to one examination or one protest, but reflects a deeper crisis of trust among young Indians. He wrote that students are demanding fairness, transparency and respect, and questioned whether the government was willing to accept responsibility for the suffering caused to millions of aspirants.
The Congress leader also targeted the government’s response to alleged police action against protesting students. “A government that fears questions from its youth has already lost moral authority,” he wrote, adding that the administration appeared increasingly disconnected from the mood of the country.
In sharp criticism for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government’s top leadership, Gandhi wrote “Since Prime Minister Modi is clearly so out of touch, let me warn him – young people across the country have awakened. His image is destroyed and can never be rebuilt. The youth of India will not allow him, Home Minister Shah, or any official to escape the consequences of their actions. We in the Opposition stand with the youth. We will not allow these crimes to pass unpunished.”
Shri @RahulGandhi‘s lucid analysis in @the_hindu today, as he raises the voice of our youth.
“Since Prime Minister Modi is clearly so out of touch, let me warn him — young people across the country have awakened. His image is destroyed and can never be rebuilt. The youth of… pic.twitter.com/ppDqCMCjRP
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) August 10, 2026
The statement marks one of Gandhi’s most direct political attacks on the Prime Minister in recent months and signals the Congress’s attempt to position itself as the principal political voice of protesting students.
BJP leaders have rejected the allegations, accusing the Congress of trying to exploit student unrest for political gain. The ruling party has maintained that investigations into alleged examination irregularities are underway and that action has been taken wherever wrongdoing has been found.
Gandhi, however, argued that the issue goes beyond individual cases. “When institutions fail and accountability is denied, frustration inevitably turns into resistance,” he wrote.
With Parliament expected to witness further confrontation over examination controversies, unemployment and student protests, the debate has expanded into a larger political battle over governance, accountability and the government’s relationship with India’s youth.
