Congress leader criticises PM Modi’s remarks on ‘forgiving’ students, says honest aspirants paid the price for a failed examination system
New Delhi (Economy India): Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Sunday criticised the Central government over the NEET examination controversy, asserting that students do not need forgiveness but deserve truth, justice and an apology from the government.
His remarks came in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comments about “forgiving” students who had protested over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
Rahul Gandhi Meets Families of NEET Aspirants
During his visit to Tamil Nadu, Rahul Gandhi met the families of Gopika, Roshini and Vetri Anandan, three medical aspirants who died by suicide following the alleged NEET paper leak and the cancellation of the examination.
Sharing a video of the interaction on Instagram, Gandhi expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and questioned why sincere students had to suffer because of systemic failures.
“India’s students need no forgiveness. The government owes them truth, justice and an apology,” Gandhi said.
‘Honest Students Paid the Price’
Rahul Gandhi said the alleged paper leak, cancellation of the examination and subsequent re-examination placed immense emotional pressure on students.
According to him, thousands of students who prepared honestly were forced to bear the consequences of administrative failures.
He said every statistic represents a young individual with dreams and a family now coping with an irreplaceable loss.
Calls for a Fair Education System
The Congress leader reiterated his demand for reforms that ensure transparency and fairness in competitive examinations.
He said the country needs an education system where:
- Hard work is respected.
- Examinations remain fair and transparent.
- Students are not punished for institutional failures.
PM Modi’s Earlier Remarks
Rahul Gandhi’s criticism followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s video message on Friday, in which the Prime Minister referred to protests over alleged NEET irregularities.
PM Modi said that he and his late mother were subjected to abusive language during demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and stated that taking “misguided children” to court would not solve the issue, adding that he preferred to forgive them.
Political Debate Continues
The NEET controversy has remained a major political issue, with opposition parties accusing the government of failing to protect the integrity of one of India’s largest medical entrance examinations.
The ruling government has maintained that it has taken steps to strengthen examination security and prevent future irregularities.
