New Delhi, July 23: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the Centre of mishandling student concerns over alleged examination irregularities and demanding the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Kharge’s remarks came after the Prime Minister assured the nation that those responsible for compromising the future of young people through examination paper leaks would face strict punishment and announced the creation of fast track courts to expedite such cases.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement, Kharge alleged that students protesting against examination-related issues had faced excessive use of force instead of receiving justice. In a post on social media platform X, he urged the Prime Minister to understand the hardships faced by the country’s youth and accused the government of ignoring their concerns.
The Congress chief claimed that the education system had weakened under the present administration and argued that students were seeking concrete action rather than assurances. According to him, the government’s response to peaceful demonstrations had left many young people feeling neglected and unheard.
Kharge further alleged that protesting students were subjected to harsh police action during demonstrations over examination irregularities. He asserted that the government should acknowledge their grievances instead of suppressing dissent.
Placing three demands before the Centre, Kharge called for the immediate dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students over the handling of the protests, and justice for those who were allegedly targeted during the demonstrations.
He also raised concerns over employment opportunities, claiming that rising youth unemployment and the shortage of permanent government jobs had added to frustration among young people. Kharge alleged that increasing contractual employment had further reduced career security for job seekers.
The Congress leader additionally accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of exerting undue influence over the country’s education system, saying institutional reforms were necessary to restore confidence among students.
Echoing Kharge’s criticism, Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal described the Prime Minister’s announcement as inadequate, asserting that students’ demands remained unaddressed. He reiterated the party’s call for the resignation of the Education Minister, an apology from the Prime Minister, and action against those responsible for the alleged use of force on demonstrators.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the future of students and announced that fast track courts would be established to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases. He stated that individuals attempting to jeopardise the future of the country’s youth would face strict legal consequences.
The controversy surrounding alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak, has triggered protests in several parts of the country, with opposition parties continuing to press the government for greater accountability and reforms in the examination system.