Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Pitroda Urges Parties Not to Hijack India’s Youth Protests
Sam Pitroda said young people should lead their own campaign.
They are upset about poor schools, unfair or badly conducted exams, and a lack of jobs.
He said political parties should support them without taking control of their movement.
Pitroda believes taking over the campaign could make it less trustworthy.
He said young people want basic things like working schools, clean bathrooms, present teachers and reliable healthcare.
They also want fair exams and chances to build their futures.
Pitroda said angry words from some protesters show how frustrated they are.
He added that parents and local communities should help improve schools too.
Sam Pitroda urged political parties not to politicise or appropriate the youth-led campaign.
The campaign highlights failing schools, disputed examinations, unemployment and limited opportunities.
Pitroda said the Congress could support young people but should not capture their movement.
He said protesters’ anger, including abusive language, reflected deep frustration with neglected services.
Pitroda also urged communities and parents to share responsibility for improving local schools.
- Who
- Sam Pitroda, young Indian campaigners, political parties, communities and parents.
- What
- Pitroda called on political parties not to hijack or politicise a youth-led campaign over schools, examinations and unemployment.
- When
- During an exclusive interview with IANS; the article does not specify the date.
- Where
- New York; the campaign concerns young people in India.
- Why
- Pitroda said young people should speak for themselves and that political appropriation could damage the movement’s credibility.
Keep the Movement Youth-Led
Represent Public Concerns Politically
Role of Political Parties
Keep the Movement Youth-Led
Pitroda argued that parties should support young campaigners without taking over their movement or speaking in their place.
Represent Public Concerns Politically
He also acknowledged that opposition parties have a legitimate responsibility to represent public concerns, while saying they should first let young people articulate their demands.
- Speaker
- Sam Pitroda, a senior Congress leader
- Main appeal
- Political parties should support, but not capture or politicise, the youth campaign.
- Key concerns
- Failing schools, examination problems, unemployment and limited opportunities
- Requested improvements
- Functioning schools, clean facilities, attending teachers, reliable exams and working primary healthcare centres
- Congress’s proposed role
- Pitroda said the Congress could act as a catalyst without taking advantage of the movement.
- Shared responsibility
- Pitroda said communities and parents should help improve local schools.