'He Couldn't Sleep': Kharge Slams PM Modi's Midnight Address To Student Protestors On Instagram
'He Couldn't Sleep': Kharge Slams PM Modi's Midnight Address To Student Protestors On Instagram Published By, Last Updated: July 30, 2026, 14:59 IST Kharge claimed
'He Couldn't Sleep': Kharge Slams PM Modi's Midnight Address To Student Protestors On Instagram Published By, Last Updated: July 30, 2026, 14:59 IST Kharge claimed that the Opposition had been demanding a stronger anti-paper leak law since 2024, but the government ignored those suggestions. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge speaks in the House during the Monsoon session of Parliament. (Source: PTI) Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his late-night Instagram address to students amid the paper leak controversy, alleging that the government had acted only after massive protests forced it to respond. Participating in the debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, Kharge claimed the Opposition had been demanding a stronger anti-paper leak law since 2024, but the Centre ignored its suggestions.
“We have been requesting to strengthen the anti-paper leak bill since 2024, but the government did not listen to us," Kharge said. ‘Just To Cool Current Atmosphere’ He alleged that the earlier law had been introduced in haste and the government was now compelled to amend it because of mounting public pressure. “Earlier bill was brought in haste, but now the govt has to amend the bill," he said. Questioning the timing of the legislation, Kharge said the Bill was aimed at defusing public anger rather than addressing the root cause of repeated paper leaks. “Just to cool the current atmosphere and cool our youths, this bill has been brought," he said, adding, “This bill is not going to solve any problem." He claimed the Centre had been forced to act because of the nationwide student protests.
‘Removed Pradhan To De-Escalate Situation’ “Govt bowed in front of the students," Kharge said, before adding, “The government was forced to remove former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan." He alleged that the government was acting merely to protect its political interests. “Just to save their seats, this bill has been brought not to solve the problems of the youth," he said. Kharge further claimed that sustained protests led by the Opposition had compelled the Centre to respond. “Govt got afraid by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s protest," Kharge added, alleging, “Then the government decided to remove Pradhan so that the issue does not escalate further." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Prisha Vibhavari Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news.
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