'Wrestlers Will Tell About Their Pain, I Am Happy': BJP's Brij Bhushan To NDTV

NEW DELHI, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent remarks to students accused of abusing him and his late mother during the anti-paper leak protests at Jantar Mantar. Gandhi accused Modi of lacking the authority to offer forgiveness, arguing that students, many of whom are unemployed and struggling with the state of India’s education system, are in "severe pain" and require an apology, not leniency. During a book launch event in Parliament, Gandhi directly challenged Modi’s assertion that the youths involved in the protests were "misguided children" who needed guidance rather than punishment. "Who is he to forgive them?" Gandhi asked, emphasizing that the students deserved acknowledgment of the harm caused by the government’s actions. He pointed to the ongoing protests, which began in June 2026 and lasted 36 days before concluding on July 25, following the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the government’s acceptance of the protesters’ demands. Gandhi linked the unrest to what he described as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) efforts to impose a singular historical narrative on the nation. He cited the Indian Constitution, which describes India as a "Union of States," to argue that each state embodies the unique history, traditions, and languages of its people. "When you say Tamil Nadu, inside it is the history of the Tamil people, their pain, suffering, and happiness," he stated. "Every state has the right to express its own culture and language." According to Gandhi, the RSS believes only its version of history matters, leading to widespread resistance among students who feel their cultural identities are being undermined. Gandhi also accused the government of failing to provide a functional education system, describing it as "terrible" and "cruel." He alleged that the system has become privatized and exploitative, forcing students to accept a distorted historical perspective. "The soul of the system has been captured by the RSS," he said, pointing to the influence of the organization within the education ministry. He further claimed that students are not encouraged to question the system or pursue their interests, instead being compelled to adopt a narrow historical framework dictated by the RSS. In addition to criticizing Modi, Gandhi targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of authorizing the police crackdown on students during the protests. During a Lok Sabha session, Gandhi had previously accused Shah of fearfully avoiding parliamentary proceedings, suggesting his absence was due to a lack of courage. "The home minister authorised the shooting on our students," Gandhi alleged. "He put pellets into the blood of our students. He ordered the students of India to be shot," he said, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the police response. Meanwhile, BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri sparked controversy by claiming that individuals engaged in tire repairs and locksmithing outnumbered students at the Jantar Mantar protest. Speaking at a "Gen Z Summit" in Tughlaqabad, Bidhuri suggested that the protest was largely composed of "misguided" youth who had been misled by opposition figures. He argued that the movement was fueled by misinformation and emotional manipulation, with some participants allegedly celebrating after the government met their demands. His remarks drew sharp rebukes from opposition leaders, including Congress MP Atishi, who dismissed Bidhuri as part of a faction that sought to divide society along lines of caste, religion, or profession. The protests, initially centered around the cancellation of the NEET-UG exam, evolved into a broader critique of the education system and the perceived dominance of the RSS in shaping national identity. The movement gained traction across the country, with students demanding fairer assessments and recognition of regional cultures. The government eventually conceded to some of the protesters’ demands, leading to the dispersal of the demonstrations. However, the tensions remain high, with both sides continuing to accuse each other of misrepresentation and political manipulation. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the legitimacy of the protests and the role of political entities in shaping public discourse. With the education system under scrutiny and the issue of historical narratives at the heart of the conflict, the debate is likely to persist, influencing the trajectory of India’s social and political landscape in the coming months.