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'First you broke bones, now FIRs': Rahul Gandhi targets PM Modi, Shah over action against student protesters
India🏛️ PoliticsProgressive22 days ago

'First you broke bones, now FIRs': Rahul Gandhi targets PM Modi, Shah over action against student protesters

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for allegedly targeting young people through legal actions and social media account removals. In a tweet, Gandhi accused them of silencing Gen Z by filing FIRs and taking down online accounts, referencing previous incidents where protesters were physically assaulted. He called for an independent Supreme Court-monitored committee to investigate the alleged police brutality against student protesters during a July 20 demonstration at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Gandhi also shared a video depicting police using batons against demonstrators and a civilian forcibly removing a student carrying the Indian flag. The criticism follows a parliamentary protest by Opposition MPs over the alleged police action and financial issues at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, which coincided with the Rajya Sabha's planned discussion of a bill related to academic integrity.

Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi accused the Narendra Modi government of targeting student protesters by filing false FIRs, detaining them and blocking their social media accounts, days after the students called off their agitation. The accusations come amid escalating tensions between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, with both sides trading sharp rhetoric over the handling of the NEET-UG paper leak protests and the broader treatment of young activists. Kharge and Gandhi made their statements on Friday, July 31, 2026, directly addressing Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. They alleged that the government had violated an agreement under which no action would be taken against students after they withdrew their protest. According to Kharge, the government had initially suppressed the youth with batons and pellet guns, but now was retaliating by filing FIRs and detaining students. He accused the authorities of violating the students’ trust and of engaging in a “vendetta” against them. Kharge also claimed that female protesters were being doxxed, having their personal information exposed online, and demanded that Modi seek Shah’s resignation. Gandhi, meanwhile, accused the government of attempting to silence Gen Z by using legal threats and social media censorship. In a post on X, he wrote, “PM Modi and Amit Shah, you cannot threaten Gen Z into silence.” He added, “First you broke their bones. Now you are filing FIRs and taking down their accounts. You are India’s past. Be careful about how you treat India’s future.” Gandhi also criticized Shah for his absence from Parliament during the height of the protests, suggesting that his reluctance to address the situation reflected a lack of accountability. The accusations follow a series of confrontations between the Congress and the BJP, beginning with the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march at Jantar Mantar, where students protested the NEET-UG paper leak. Allegations emerged that the police used excessive force, including pellet guns, to disperse the crowd. In response, the Congress alleged that FIRs were filed against several protesters and that their social media accounts were blocked, even after the demonstrations had concluded. The BJP has denied these claims, with MP Rahul Sinha accusing Gandhi of using Gen Z as a political tool in the absence of a new election mandate. The dispute has also escalated within Parliament itself. During a heated debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, Gandhi recounted a conversation he said he had with an 18-year-old protester. The student, according to Gandhi, had divided people into three groups: “students” with open minds and hearts, “andhbhakts”, those who believed another person was God, and “others.” Gandhi quoted the student’s definition of “andhbhakt,” which included the phrase “idiot,” sparking an uproar on the treasury benches. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected, claiming the term was unparliamentary, and demanded that it be expunged. Speaker Om Birla intervened before the debate resumed. Meanwhile, the Congress has pushed for an independent, Supreme Court-monitored inquiry into the police action against the July 20 protesters. Gandhi has repeatedly called for such a probe, arguing that the government has not shown willingness to address the issue transparently. Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc staged a protest at Makar Dwar in the Parliament complex, demanding that Amit Shah appear before the House and provide an explanation for the alleged police violence. The protest also highlighted concerns over the alleged mismanagement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, which the Congress alleges was embezzled. Separately, Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have attacked the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the new education minister. They accused Modi of choosing a minister who had previously expressed approval for the release of convicts in the Bilkis Bano gang-rape case. Joshi, a long-time RSS member, had defended the release of the 11 men convicted of raping a pregnant woman during the 2002 Gujarat riots. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra claimed that Joshi had shown “consent and even happiness” over the release, and demanded that the government authenticate the claim. Joshi and Rijiju responded by accusing her of making personal allegations and spreading misinformation, urging the House to expunge her remarks. Gandhi has also criticized Modi for failing to meet grieving parents of students affected by the leaked NEET-UG paper. In a video, Modi had claimed to have “forgiven” the protesters who had hurled abuse at him, a stance Gandhi dismissed as insincere. He argued that students deserved an apology, not forgiveness, and emphasized the systemic failures that had led to the crisis. The government, however, has yet to acknowledge the calls for an independent inquiry or to provide a detailed response to the allegations of police misconduct. As the political confrontation intensifies, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. The Congress continues to push for greater transparency and accountability, while the BJP maintains that its actions were lawful and necessary to restore order. With the upcoming parliamentary sessions likely to see further clashes, the issue of student protests and the treatment of young activists remains a central point of contention. The outcome of these developments will shape the trajectory of political discourse in the months ahead.

Go to the primary sources (1)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

8 reports

The Hindu logoThe HinduIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 7024 days ago
Kharge, Rahul accuse government of targeting students, blocking social media accounts

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the Narendra Modi government of targeting student protesters by filing FIRs, detaining them, and blocking their social media accounts. They claimed the government violated an agreement made when the students withdrew their protest, stating that no action would be taken against them. Both leaders criticized the government for allegedly intimidating young protesters, using physical force during the initial crackdown, and exposing personal information of female protesters online. Kharge specifically addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of breaking his promise and demanded the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah for his absence during parliamentary discussions on the issue. These accusations come amid ongoing political tensions regarding the government's handling of the student protests.

Bias read (Progressive): The article presents accusations from the opposition Congress party against the ruling BJP government, focusing on alleged repression of student protesters. The framing emphasizes the government's actions as intimidatory and vengeful, while highlighting the opposition's stance as defending the youth

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports Rahul Gandhi's public criticism of PM Modi's forgiveness stance, referencing specific statements and videos. It aligns with other articles on the topic and provides context about the students' grievances.

Why objectivity (70): The tone is critical of PM Modi and emphasizes the emotional impact on students and their families, suggesting a biased perspective favoring the opposition.

NDTV logoNDTVParty-alignedCenterFactual 70Objective 6025 days ago
What Happened After Rahul Gandhi's Remarks On Amit Shah? Inside Story

The article mentions that Kiren Rijiju met with Congress leaders in the presence of Speaker Om Birla. However, it does not provide further details about the meeting, its purpose, or any specific remarks made by Rahul Gandhi regarding Amit Shah. The information appears to be a brief mention rather than a comprehensive report.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual statement without clear ideological framing or emphasis. It merely reports on a meeting between political figures without taking a stance or using loaded language. There is no evident bias toward either side of the political spectrum.

Why factuality (70): The article accurately reports Rahul Gandhi's criticisms of Pralhad Joshi's appointment as Education Minister, citing his comments about Joshi being a 'defender of rapists.' It references the context of the NEET paper leak protests. However, it lacks independent verification of Joshi's past statemen

Why objectivity (60): The article presents Rahul Gandhi's statements without providing a counterpoint or context from the government. It uses emotionally charged language like 'most filthy type of man,' which may bias the reader against the government.

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentProgressiveFactual 60Objective 5024 days ago
'You cannot threaten Gen Z into silence': Rahul Gandhi backs student, attacks PM Modi, Amit Shah

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in India, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of attempting to suppress Gen Z by filing FIRs against student protesters and blocking their social media accounts. This follows allegations that police used excessive force, including pellet guns, during the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' protest at Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Gandhi's comments intensified tensions between the Congress and BJP parties, with the BJP dismissing the claims as politically motivated. Congress leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge also condemned the government's actions, demanding Modi take responsibility. The controversy escalated further when Gandhi quoted an 18-year-old protester, leading to backlash for using the term 'idiot' during parliamentary debate.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the criticism of Modi and Amit Shah as a legitimate defense of student rights, emphasizing the government's alleged suppression of dissent. The language used ('threaten Gen Z into silence,' 'India's past,' 'sense of revenge') carries a critical tone toward the ruling party. While

Why factuality (60): The article discusses Rahul Gandhi's response to a press conference by families of injured Delhi Police personnel, which is unrelated to the primary source document about Jharkhand student protests. The factual claims are not supported by the primary source, which focuses on Jharkhand, not Delhi. Th

Why objectivity (50): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'threaten Gen Z into silence' and frames the situation as a conflict between the government and students. It presents Rahul Gandhi's stance without providing balanced context or counterpoints, thus lacking neutrality.

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentProgressiveFactual 60Objective 5024 days ago
'Vendetta by filing FIRs against students': Kharge demands HM's resignation

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Indian government for allegedly breaking its promise not to take action against students who withdrew their July 20 'Sansad Chalo' protest. Kharge accused the government of pursuing a 'vendetta' by filing FIRs and detaining students, and called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to demand the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah. Kharge claimed that students were targeted despite having withdrawn their protest under the assurance that no action would be taken against them. Leader of the opposition Rahul Gandhi also condemned the government's actions, accusing Modi and Shah of threatening young protesters and suppressing dissent. Gandhi further demanded an independent investigation into the alleged use of force against students and the embezzlement of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Bias read (Progressive): The article presents allegations from the Congress party leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, criticizing the ruling BJP government for allegedly violating assurances made to student protesters and engaging in repressive tactics. The framing emphasizes the government's actions,

Why factuality (60): The article discusses Rahul Gandhi's attack on PM Modi and Amit Shah over FIRs against student protesters, which is unrelated to the primary source document about Jharkhand student protests. The factual claims are not supported by the primary source, which focuses on Jharkhand, not Delhi or the acti

Why objectivity (50): The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'threaten Gen Z into silence' and frames the situation as a conflict between the government and students. It presents Rahul Gandhi's stance without providing balanced context or counterpoints, thus lacking neutrality.

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentProgressiveFactual 50Objective 6026 days ago
‘Character assassination’: Drama in Parliament as Priyanka, Rijiju spar over Pralhad Joshi's appointment as edu minister

During a parliamentary session in July 2026, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for appointing Pralhad Joshi as the education minister, accusing him of supporting the release of individuals involved in the rape of a pregnant woman. Her remarks sparked controversy, leading to backlash from Union minister Kiren Rijiju, who accused her of 'character assassination' and demanded an apology. Rijiju called for her comments to be removed from the parliamentary record and criticized her for lacking decorum. Rahul Gandhi, the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, joined the criticism, condemning the appointment as hypocritical and highlighting the disconnect between the government's actions and the concerns of youth. Priyanka also mocked Modi's efforts to connect with Generation Z, suggesting that changing his approach to truth would be more effective than altering camera angles.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the controversy around the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as a moral failing of the government, emphasizing the alleged support for rapists. The language used by Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi carries a strong moral judgment against the BJP and Modi, portraying the appointment as罔

Why factuality (50): This article focuses on the political dispute between Congress leaders and Pralhad Joshi, unrelated to the pellet gun incident discussed in the primary source. It lacks information about the pellet gun use or the specific protest events mentioned in the primary source.

Why objectivity (60): The article presents a polarized narrative, suggesting a lack of neutrality. It frames the situation as a conflict within the legislature, implying bias towards the opposing sides.

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentProgressiveFactual 50Objective 4024 days ago
'First you broke bones, now FIRs': Rahul Gandhi targets PM Modi, Shah over action against student protesters

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for allegedly targeting young people through legal actions and social media account removals. In a tweet, Gandhi accused them of silencing Gen Z by filing FIRs and taking down online accounts, referencing previous incidents where protesters were physically assaulted. He called for an independent Supreme Court-monitored committee to investigate the alleged police brutality against student protesters during a July 20 demonstration at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Gandhi also shared a video depicting police using batons against demonstrators and a civilian forcibly removing a student carrying the Indian flag. The criticism follows a parliamentary protest by Opposition MPs over the alleged police action and financial issues at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, which coincided with the Rajya Sabha's planned discussion of a bill related to academic integrity.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the criticism of Modi and Shah as an attempt to suppress youth activism, using emotive language like 'silence Gen Z' and 'brutalities.' It emphasizes Gandhi's call for an independent investigation and highlights the perceived misuse of power by the ruling government, aligning with

Why factuality (50): The article discusses BJP leader's daughter supporting student protests against the education minister, which is unrelated to the primary source document about Jharkhand student protests. The factual claims are not supported by the primary source, which focuses on Jharkhand, not Delhi or the actions

Why objectivity (40): The article uses biased language such as 'bleak joke' and frames the situation as an attack on the education minister. It lacks balance by not presenting the government's perspective or the rationale for the resignation.

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentProgressiveFactual 40Objective 5022 days ago
Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi amid abusive video row: 'Students deserve an apology, not forgiveness'

Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his statement forgiving student protesters who had abused him. Gandhi argued that students do not require forgiveness but rather an apology from Modi. He highlighted the emotional toll on families affected by the protests and pointed out the flaws in the education system, citing issues like leaked exam papers and canceled exams. In contrast, PM Modi described the protesting students as 'misguided' and emphasized the importance of guiding them rather than punishing them. Rahul Gandhi accused the government of attempting to suppress the voices of India's younger generation by filing FIRs against student protesters and removing their social media content. Meanwhile, a 15-year-old girl involved in the protests apologized for her actions, though there is uncertainty regarding her age and the authenticity of the video.

Bias read (Progressive): The article presents a clear critique of the Prime Minister's stance on student protesters, emphasizing the need for an apology over forgiveness. It highlights the emotional impact on families and criticizes the government's approach towards the youth, suggesting a left-leaning perspective that is f

Why factuality (40): This article covers Rahul Gandhi's criticism of PM Modi regarding the NEET protests but does not mention the Jharkhand protests or the Hemant Soren government's actions. It lacks specific details about the events described in the primary source document.

Why objectivity (50): The article presents Rahul Gandhi's perspective on the NEET protests and PM Modi's response. It is somewhat balanced but focuses primarily on the Delhi protests rather than the Jharkhand situation.

India Today logoIndia TodayIndependentProgressiveFactual 0Objective 026 days ago
Hope farmers, students corner govt from all sides: CJP after meeting Rakesh Tikait

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Ashutosh Ranka, held a meeting with farmer leader Rakesh Tikait to form a united front among farmers, students, and youth to pressure the Narendra Modi-led government. The CJP expressed concerns that promises made during student protests, particularly regarding the withdrawal of FIRs against protesters, had not been fulfilled. They accused the central and state governments of continuing to file cases against students in states like Bihar, West Bengal, and Rajasthan. The CJP plans to expand its campaign beyond education issues to address grievances of farmers and youth, potentially leading to renewed nationwide protests. The recent student protests, which culminated in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, have prompted the CJP to seek broader alliances to challenge the government.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the CJP's actions as a coordinated effort to 'surround the Modi government from all sides,' using strong language implying opposition to the ruling party. The emphasis on unfulfilled promises and ongoing legal actions against students suggests a critical stance toward the current執

Why factuality (0): This article is unrelated to the primary source document and discusses a different topic. It focuses on parliamentary proceedings and political debates, which have no connection to the pellet gun usage or the protests mentioned in the primary source.

Why objectivity (0): The article is not relevant to the subject matter of the primary source document. It does not address the facts or context of the pellet gun usage or the protests, thus failing to meet the objectivity criteria.

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