Modi govt responded to students' courage with 'cowardice, wanton cruelty': Sonia Gandhi slams Centre

Published 24 July 2026 · local

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday launched a scathing attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government, saying that students demanded accountability and educational reforms, but the Modi government has responded to their courage with "cowardice and wanton cruelty, treating them not as inheritors of the future but as enemies of the nation". In an op-ed published on Friday, Gandhi accused the Centre of degrading the country's educational landscape and asserted that the students have called out the regime's bluff, news agency PTI reported. In her article titled 'An Education System's Collapse, Young India's Trauma,' she noted, "The student protests are a natural consequence of these interrelated forces: today's bleak education landscape, which evokes only hopelessness, and the Modi government's trademark arrogance and unwillingness to be accountable or constructive." Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What are Sonia Gandhi's criticisms of the Modi government's response to student protests? ⌵ Sonia Gandhi criticized the Modi government for responding to student protests with 'cowardice and wanton cruelty,' viewing students as enemies rather than the future of the nation. 2 Why did Sonia Gandhi label 20 July as a day of infamy in relation to student protests? ⌵ Sonia Gandhi termed 20 July as a day of infamy because, on that day, the Delhi Police and Central Armed Forces violently suppressed student protesters with lathi-charges and tear gas.

3 How has the Modi government planned to address paper leaks according to recent announcements? ⌵ The Modi government announced the establishment of fast-track courts and stricter penalties for those involved in paper leaks, aiming to ensure swift justice and accountability. 4 What demands have been made by the student protesters during the current protests? ⌵ Student protesters have demanded accountability from the government, educational reforms, the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and compensation for families of students who died by suicide. 5 Should the Modi government respond more constructively to student protests? ⌵ Many believe the Modi government should adopt a more constructive approach by engaging in dialogue with students and addressing their concerns rather than resorting to repression. Further, she emphasised that it is a moral, political, and constitutional duty to stand with students to protect their future. Sonia Gandhi slams police brutality against protesters She claimed that the 'brutality' perpetrated by the Delhi Police against student protesters, which she said follows direct orders from the Union Home Minister, is hardly unprecedented for this regime. Elaborating further, Gandhi said, "We all remember vividly how armed policemen and paramilitary forces ravaged university campuses during the Citizenship (Amendment) Act- Register of Citizens protests in 2020. The unacceptable excesses against India's women wrestlers can never be erased from our memories." She alleged that the Modi government is not just responsible for degrading the country's education landscape but has also made a habit of acting with "utter impunity, supreme self-delusion, and abject insensitivity." The Congress leader accused the PM Modi-led Central government of routinely choosing violence over dialogue.