Updated on: 01 Aug 2026
CHENNAI: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks about “forgiving” students for their alleged abusive comments against him, stating that students do not need forgiveness but deserve an apology for the hardships they have faced.
In a post on X, Gandhi said, “India’s students do not need his forgiveness. They are owed his apology.” He alleged that repeated paper leaks, cancelled examinations and the loss of years of hard work had shattered the dreams of students. He further said that students are expected to work honestly despite being part of an education system that has failed them, and questioned the Prime Minister’s remarks on forgiveness.
Earlier in the day, Gandhi met the families of students who died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy and the subsequent cancellation of the examination. He offered his condolences during the meeting held at Mahabalipuram near Chennai.
The Congress leader said there could be no greater sorrow than witnessing parents mourn the loss of their children. He said every young life lost leaves behind a family carrying lifelong grief and also raises serious questions about the country’s education system.
Continuing his criticism of the Prime Minister, Gandhi said Modi had not met any of the grieving families or interacted with students affected by the paper leak issue. Reiterating his stand, he said students are being asked to remain honest in a system that has failed to uphold fairness, and maintained that they deserve an apology rather than forgiveness.
