Prime Minister Modi Responds Amidst Intensifying Protests; Rahul Gandhi Labels Remarks as ‘Pathetic’
Following the escalation of protests over the leakage of India’s medical entrance exam question paper, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the establishment of fast-track courts to swiftly punish those responsible. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi described Modi’s remarks as ‘pathetic’ and called for the dismissal of the Education Minister along with action against those involved in violence against students. Led by the KCKJ Party, protesters have demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation for the affected families. Kathmandu, August 24.
As protests intensified across India demanding action against those involved in the medical entrance exam paper leak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his first public response. On Thursday midnight, Modi released a video message on social media. This was among his earliest responses to the youth-led protests spearheaded by the KCKJ Party. In his message, he addressed the protesters as ‘friends,’ emphasizing, ‘Nothing is more important than the future and welfare of our youth.’
The controversy surrounding illegal activities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has sparked intense protests in New Delhi. Security forces have taken strict measures to control the demonstrations. Protesters have been holding sit-ins for three days on Parliament Street, with many occupying the main road that connects New Delhi’s central business district. Facing mounting pressure, Modi declared, ‘We have decided to establish fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for anyone involved in the question paper leak. Those who jeopardize our youth’s future will not be spared.’
The movement is organized under the leadership of the KCKJ Party, founded and led by Abhijit Dipke. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk supported the protests with a hunger strike, breaking his fast on its 26th day last night. Initially begun as a satirical online campaign against a removed secretary in May, the KCKJ Party’s campaign has evolved into a nationwide movement demanding reforms to the examination system and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. On Monday, an unprecedented crowd marched toward Parliament in New Delhi, with thousands taking to the streets.
Following the government’s failure to meet protesters’ demands, widespread criticism has emerged against its suppression tactics. The protesters are calling for the immediate resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, withdrawal of cases filed against peaceful demonstrators, and financial compensation of 10 million Indian rupees each to the families of at least 12 students who committed suicide due to exam-related distress. While Modi has yet to remove the education minister, he has dismissed a ministry secretary. The KCKJ Party criticized Modi’s video message for avoiding the minister’s dismissal. Party leader Abhijit Dipke tweeted, ‘Modi seems prepared to shut down all of Delhi but not ready to remove Dharmendra Pradhan.’
Spokesperson Ashutosh Rank described the fast-track court announcement as insufficient, stating, ‘This is not a real solution, just a distraction. The question paper leak is not about fast tracking, but a result of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s failure.’ Opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned Modi’s video message as a ‘pathetic midnight video’ and urged him not to insult the intelligence of the students. Gandhi outlined three demands to the government: to dismiss Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, take action against those who have used violence against protesting students, and issue a public apology. Despite Modi’s address, the KCKJ Party has continued the protests and called for peaceful demonstrations today. Opposition parties have also maintained their demonstrations in front of the Parliament building. This ongoing protest movement in India has provided opposition parties with greater leverage to increase political pressure on Prime Minister Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).