Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi and Amit Shah of attempting to silence Gen Z amid protests over examination paper leaks.
Rahul Gandhi Targets Modi And Shah Over Student Protests
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday over the government’s handling of youth-led protests connected to examination paper leaks.
In a post on X, the Congress leader accused the two senior government leaders of attempting to intimidate young protesters through police action, criminal cases and restrictions on social media accounts.
Gandhi wrote that Modi and Shah could not “threaten Gen Z into silence” and alleged that protesters had first faced physical force and were now being subjected to FIRs and online account removals.
“You are India’s past. Be careful about how you treat India’s future,” he said, presenting young protesters as representatives of the country’s next generation. The allegations concerning the government’s involvement in FIRs and social media takedowns were made by Gandhi. The available reports did not include evidence establishing that Modi or Shah personally ordered every action cited in his post.
Rahul Gandhi Backs Gen Z Amid Paper Leak Controversy
Gandhi’s remarks came amid continuing political tensions over student demonstrations demanding accountability for examination irregularities. The protests have also triggered wider debate over police conduct, freedom of expression and how authorities respond to digital criticism.
The Congress leader attempted to frame the confrontation as one between the political establishment and a generation demanding greater transparency. His reference to Gen Z indicated that the opposition intends to keep youth concerns, competitive examinations and employment-related anxieties at the centre of its political campaign.
The government, meanwhile, has argued that stronger legal and administrative measures are necessary to protect students from organised paper-leak networks and restore confidence in public examinations.
Prime Minister Modi said examination leaks had become a serious challenge for the Centre and several states. He maintained that gangs and organised networks playing with students’ futures would face strict action.
Rahul Gandhi Remarks Follow Passage Of New Bill
The political exchange followed Parliament’s approval of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The legislation was introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 27, passed by the Lower House on Wednesday, July 29, and cleared by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, July 30.
The Bill strengthens the 2024 anti-paper leak law by increasing punishments, providing for a special task force and requiring states and Union Territories to designate special fast-track courts.
Under the amended provisions, an individual convicted of using unfair means could face imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh. The legislation also sets timelines for investigations and trials, while increasing penalties for service providers and organised examination fraud.
Modi described the amended law as a strong response to paper-leak gangs. Gandhi, however, focused on the treatment of protesters and criticised the government for allegedly using legal and digital measures against young voices.
Rahul Gandhi Statement Deepens Political Confrontation
The remarks have intensified the confrontation between the Congress and the BJP over the examination crisis. While the Centre is highlighting tougher penalties and reforms, the opposition is questioning whether students demanding accountability are being treated fairly.
Gandhi’s “India’s past” comment is also a broader political message aimed at contrasting the current leadership with the ambitions of younger citizens. By describing Gen Z as India’s future, he sought to position the Congress alongside students seeking reform and protection of their right to protest.
The dispute is likely to continue beyond Parliament, particularly as investigations into paper leaks, cases against protesters and questions surrounding social media restrictions remain under scrutiny. For students, the central issue remains whether the stronger law and promised administrative reforms can prevent future leaks, ensure fair examinations and restore trust without suppressing peaceful criticism.
