Congress says PM ‘rattled’, ‘shaken’ after Modi’s X post on exam paper leak

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bid to reach out to the youth with the promise of ensuring stringent punishment for those involved in exam paper leaks, the Congress has commented that he is “rattled” and accused him of being singlehandedly responsible for such crises.

Several parts of the country, inspired by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s protest in Delhi, have been witnessing massive agitations demanding accountability from the government over paper leaks in several entrance examinations including NEET as well as Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

PM promises action in paper leak

Finally breaking his silence on the matter, the prime minister in a post on X on Thursday (July 23), said that the welfare and future of youth were paramount and he will ensure that swift and stringent measures are taken to punish those involved in the paper leaks.

“Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students,” he said.

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“Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.”

You harmed youth the most: Rahul tells Modi

Reacting to the prime minister’s post, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said it was Modi who has harmed the future of the youth the most.

“You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system – and protected every person responsible for it,” Rahul said in an X post.

Rahul said that the protesting students have three clear demands – the sacking of Pradhan, apology to students and action against those who assaulted them – hinting that they would not want anything short of these.

‘He’s shaken and rattled’

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the prime minister does not have the courage to stand up in Parliament, speak and engage in serious debate like all his predecessors did when the occasion demanded.

This morning he has put out a social media post to show that he is concerned with the issues being raised by students across the country, the Congress leader said.

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"Actually, the post, such as it is, demonstrates that he is shaken and rattled," Ramesh said.

"Vote Chori, Seat Chori, Chanda Chori, Exam Paper Chori' - the list goes on and on," he said on X.

Come out of your ivory towers: Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge asked the prime minister to look into the eyes of the youth who bled on the streets protesting.

“Narendramodi ji, Education system has corroded under your watch. We do not need platitudes or peacemeal announcements. Your government lathicharged the youth, used pellet guns, shock batons, indiscriminate brutality with impunity, as if they are not our own children," he said on X while referring to the student protests against exam irregularities.

"Come out of your air-conditioned ivory towers and look into the eyes of the young men and women who bled on the streets, fighting your dictatorship," he said.

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The Congress chief said the youth only want "three simple demands to be fulfilled -- "1) Immediately sack Education Minister Pradhan. 2) Apologise for the punitive action & atrocities and 3) Provide justice to those who you targeted."

Congress chief blames RSS

Kharge also alleged that the RSS has captured the education system.

"Youth Unemployment is skyrocketing at 29% (PLFS). No Private jobs, handful of permanent government jobs. Contractualisation at its peak. All doors are shut. Where does the youth go to demand a future?" the Congress leader said.

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AICC general secretary K C Venugopal also slammed the prime minister, saying his remarks were a complete "eyewash".

"Mr. Modi is living in fool’s paradise if he thinks the youth will settle for this. Their demands remain clear:- Dharmendra Pradhan must resign-PM Modi must apologise- Punishment for the assaulters who attacked peaceful protesters," he stated.

(With inputs from agencies)