Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Sonia Gandhi Criticizes Modi Government Over Student Protests
Sonia Gandhi, the leader of the Congress Party, has strongly criticized the Modi government for how it has handled student protests.
She says the government has been cruel and unfair to students who are asking for better education and accountability.
The students are protesting because they feel the education system is not good, and there have been paper leaks.
The government says it will take stricter action against those responsible for the leaks.
There was a big protest on 20 July where the police used force to stop the students.
Sonia Gandhi also mentioned other times when the government has used force against protesters, like during the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
She believes the government should talk to the students and address their concerns instead of using force.
Sonia Gandhi criticized the Modi government for responding to student protests with 'cowardice and wanton cruelty'.
Students are protesting against paper leaks and the decline in the education system, demanding accountability and reforms.
The government has announced the establishment of fast-track courts and stricter penalties for those involved in paper leaks.
On 20 July, the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces used lathi-charges and tear gas to suppress student protesters.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after meeting with Union Ministers.
- Who
- Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, student protesters
- What
- Criticism of the Modi government's handling of student protests and educational reforms
- When
- Protests have been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with a significant event on 20 July
- Where
- Across the country, with notable protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi
- Why
- Students are protesting against paper leaks and the decline in the education system, demanding accountability and reforms
Congress Party
Modi Government
Response to Student Protests
Congress Party
The Modi government has responded with 'cowardice and wanton cruelty', treating students as enemies rather than the future of the nation.
Modi Government
The government has vowed to take 'stricter' action against paper leaks and announced the establishment of fast-track courts and stricter penalties for those involved.
Handling of Protests
Congress Party
The government routinely chooses violence over dialogue, as seen in the use of lathi-charges and tear gas against student protesters.
Modi Government
The government maintains that it is taking necessary measures to ensure law and order, including the use of police force when deemed necessary.
- Date of Infamy
- 20 July
- Key Demands by Students
- Accountability, educational reforms, resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation for families of students who died by suicide
- Government's Response
- Fast-track courts and stricter penalties for paper leaks
- Protest Locations
- Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and other parts of the country
- Climate Activist's Hunger Strike
- Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on the night of 26-27 July
Sources
Modi govt responded to students' courage with 'cowardice, wanton cruelty': Sonia Gandhi slams Centre
Treated the youth ‘as enemies of the nation’, Sonia Gandhi slams Centre
