‘Questioning flawed system is not crime’: Rahul Gandhi backs student protesters, attacks government

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday extended support to student protesters, saying they were raising concerns about India’s education system and should not be forced to apologise for demanding reforms.

After meeting some young protesters in Delhi, Gandhi alleged that the students had faced assault, threats and pressure during the protest row. He said their demands were related to improving the examination system and preventing irregularities.

Gandhi said the protesters were defending the Constitution and the future of young Indians by raising concerns about education.

‘They don’t need to apologise to anyone’: Rahul Gandhi’s statement

Speaking after his interaction with the protesters, Gandhi said: “They don't need to apologise to anyone.”

He claimed the students had informed him about alleged mistreatment during the protests.

“We had a freewheeling conversation with some of the young protesters. They mentioned to me how they were assaulted, beaten and threatened.”

Gandhi praised the protesters and said he was proud of their efforts.

“I am very proud of them, very proud of what they have done, what thousands of young Indians like them have done.”

He added that the students were raising concerns about the education system and not committing any wrongdoing.

“Complaining about the education system, which is a flawed system, a collapsing system, a useless system is not a crime. If anything, the system needs to be changed, it needs to be corrected.”

Gandhi alleges protesters were targeted

Gandhi alleged that the protesters were peaceful and were not responsible for violence during the demonstrations. “They were not doing violence, they were not being aggressive, they were not being nasty. They were beaten, assaulted and threatened.”

He also criticised the reported demand for an apology from a 15-year-old student, calling the development unacceptable. “Forcing them first, sending gundas to their house, forcibly demanding apology of a 15-year-old girl and then accepting that apology is complete nonsense.”

He said such actions could not be accepted and demanded greater focus on addressing students’ concerns.

“We do not accept it, we want education system that works, we want exam leaks to stop and we want the future of this country to be respected and protected.”

Student protests and education system concerns

The student protests have centred around allegations related to examination irregularities, paper leaks and concerns over the functioning of the education system.

Gandhi said students should have the right to question policies and demand improvements without facing intimidation.

He argued that the government should focus on fixing problems within the education system instead of targeting those raising concerns.

Rahul Gandhi targets Amit Shah over protest issue

Gandhi also criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the handling of the protests, accusing him of avoiding accountability.

The Opposition has been demanding discussions in Parliament over alleged police action against protesting students and has sought responses from senior government leaders.

The government has rejected Opposition allegations and maintained that law enforcement actions during protests are carried out according to legal procedures.

Parliament deadlock linked to student protest issue

The student protest controversy has contributed to disruptions during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Opposition parties have demanded discussions on the issue, while the government has sought cooperation to allow legislative business to continue. The deadlock has continued as both sides remain divided over the demands for debate and accountability.

Political battle over youth issues. The student protest issue has become another point of confrontation between the ruling alliance and Opposition parties.

While Opposition leaders have framed the protests as a youth and education issue, the government has defended its handling of law-and-order matters.

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks have intensified the political debate, with the Opposition continuing to demand action on examination reforms, alleged leaks and protection for student protesters.