Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the Centre of failing India’s youth and allowing the country’s education system to deteriorate amid growing protests over alleged examination irregularities.

The Congress leader alleged that the government had encouraged the breakdown of educational institutions and shielded those responsible for repeated failures affecting students.

In a post on X, Gandhi claimed that the Prime Minister had caused the greatest damage to the aspirations of young Indians by permitting what he described as the systematic weakening of the country’s education framework.

His remarks came shortly after Prime Minister Modi reiterated that protecting the interests of students and young people remains one of the government’s highest priorities.

The Prime Minister said any attempt to compromise the future of the country’s youth would invite strict action. He also stated that he had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to tackle the issue of examination paper leaks, describing the move as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students’ interests.

Opposition Steps Up Pressure

The exchange comes as opposition parties continue to intensify their criticism of the BJP-led government over its handling of student concerns and examination-related controversies.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the government’s response after Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda addressed the media on the issue of alleged paper leaks. Yadav argued that the fact a minister from a different department was responding reflected the government’s lack of seriousness in addressing students’ concerns.

He also claimed that the government’s response failed to satisfy young protesters demanding accountability.

Manish Sisodia Questions Government’s Accountability

Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia also criticised the Centre, alleging that the proposed fast-track courts would only target lower-level offenders while sparing senior decision-makers.

He questioned whether investigations would reach those responsible for overseeing the country’s education system and accused the government of avoiding accountability at the highest levels.

Demand for Education Minister’s Resignation

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed calls from protesting students, saying accountability should begin with the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

She argued that ministerial responsibility is a standard democratic practice and urged the government to consult education experts to overhaul India’s examination and evaluation system to restore public confidence.

Political Debate Over Education Intensifies

The war of words between the government and opposition has further escalated as concerns over examination integrity and student welfare continue to dominate the political discourse. With Parliament in session and opposition parties pressing for greater accountability, the debate over education reforms and paper leak allegations is expected to remain at the centre of national politics in the coming days.