Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks on youth welfare, accusing the Centre of suppressing student protests and failing to address concerns over exam irregularities.
The Congress also reiterated its demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, an apology from the prime minister over the police action against protesters, and justice for those allegedly targeted.
"Narendramodi ji, Education system has corroded under your watch. We do not need platitudes or peacemeal announcements. Your government lathicharged the youth, used pellet guns, shock batons, indiscriminate brutality with impunity, as if they are not our own children," he said on X while referring to the student protests against exam irregularities.
"Come out of your air-conditioned ivory towers and look into the eyes of the young men and women who bled on the streets, fighting your dictatorship," he said.
The Congress chief said the youth only want "three simple demands to be fulfilled -- "1) Immediately sack Education Minister Pradhan. 2) Apologise for the punitive action & atrocities and 3) Provide justice to those who you targeted."
Kharge also alleged that the RSS has captured the education system.
"Youth Unemployment is skyrocketing at 29% (PLFS). No Private jobs, handful of permanent government jobs. Contractualisation at its peak. All doors are shut. Where does the youth go to demand a future?" the Congress leader said.
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal also slammed the prime minister, saying his remarks were a complete "eyewash".
"Mr. Modi is living in fool’s paradise if he thinks the youth will settle for this. Their demands remain clear:- Dharmendra Pradhan must resign-PM Modi must apologise- Punishment for the assaulters who attacked peaceful protesters," he stated.
Earlier in the day, amid continuing protests over the NEET paper leak, Modi announced that the government would set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.
"Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared," Modi said in a post on X.
(With inputs from PTI)