'Protesting students are not terrorists': Rahul Gandhi seeks PM apology, Pradhan's resignation

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused the Centre of attempting to "push the issue under the carpet" over alleged examination paper leaks, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reforms to the education system.

Addressing a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, Gandhi said the Congress would stand with students protesting against alleged examination irregularities.

"The government wants to push this under the carpet, but we want that Pradhan goes, the Prime Minister apologises and the education system changes," he said.

"If India's students are on the streets, the Opposition should also be on the streets."

'Students are our future'

Gandhi said protesting students should not be treated as criminals and called for action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities.

"Protesting students are not terrorists. They are our future. Action should be taken against all those responsible," he said.

He alleged that families invest heavily in preparing for competitive examinations, making the alleged failures of the system particularly damaging.

"Families spend on one exam what the Government of India spends on the entire budget. This is an insult to every single student and every family in this country."

Backing the protesters' demands, Gandhi claimed there had been 152 paper leaks affecting 7.5 crore students over the past decade, with "zero convictions" during the period.

He also demanded accountability for those who allegedly assaulted students during the protests and urged the Prime Minister to apologise.

"Everyone who assaulted them must be held accountable. Prime Minister Modi should have the decency to apologise to students for what has been done."

Saying young people were protesting because they feared for their future, Gandhi insisted there must be consequences for those responsible for the alleged lapses.