Be careful how you treat India's future: Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi, Amit Shah

Invoking India's youth as the country's future, Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah of trying to silence protesting students through force, criminal cases and social media takedowns.Over the past week, Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly accused the government of responding to students' demands with force instead of addressing their concerns over repeated examination paper leaks.. (Photo: PTI)Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the police crackdown on NEET-UG protesters, accusing the BJP-led NDA government of trying to intimidate young Indians through force, criminal cases and social media censorship.In a post on X, Gandhi wrote, "PM Modi and Amit Shah – you cannot threaten Gen Z into silence.""First you broke their bones. Now you are filing FIRs and taking down their accounts," he said, referring to the police action against protesters and subsequent legal action against several participants and social media handles linked to the agitation.Calling the youth India's future, Gandhi added, "You are India's past. Be careful about how you treat India's future." The remarks are the latest in a series of attacks by the Leader of the Opposition over the government's handling of the nationwide protests triggered by the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.Over the past week, Gandhi has repeatedly accused the government of responding to students' demands with force instead of addressing their concerns over repeated examination paper leaks. On Thursday, he shared videos showing police action against protesters and demanded an independent, Supreme Court-monitored inquiry into the alleged use of force.In another post, Gandhi questioned Home Minister Amit Shah's silence over the police action, asking, "Why is Amit Shah scared?" He alleged that the crackdown reflected the government's unwillingness to answer questions raised by students and demanded accountability for those responsible.The Congress leader has consistently maintained that students protesting against paper leaks deserve justice rather than police action. During Parliament proceedings and outside the House, he has accused the government of attempting to suppress dissent instead of fixing what he calls a "rigged" examination system.His latest remarks come amid an intensifying political row over the July 20 protests in Delhi.Several FIRs have been registered in connection with the demonstrations, including cases linked to allegedly objectionable slogans and social media posts targeting Prime Minister Modi. Police have also sought the removal of certain online content as part of their investigation.On Thursday, the Delhi government ordered the withdrawal of 13 FIRs registered against NEET-UG protesters. However, Maharashtra has indicated that similar cases in the state will follow the legal process, saying any withdrawal would require court approval after chargesheets are filed.The Congress and other Opposition parties have accused the government of using force to silence students, allegations the Centre has rejected.- EndsPublished By: Koustav DasPublished On: Jul 31, 2026 09:59 IST