The Congress has intensified its attack on the Central government by extending support to the ongoing student protests over the paper leak controversy. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, in a newspaper article, alleged that students protesting for accountability were subjected to police brutality and beaten during demonstrations. She accused the government of failing to address systemic problems in the education sector and claimed that budget allocations for school and higher education had been significantly reduced, leading to a decline in educational standards. According to Sonia Gandhi, flaws in the examination system and the government’s reluctance to accept responsibility have fueled widespread student anger. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent video message on the issue, saying that important matters should be discussed in Parliament rather than through one-sided public addresses. Kharge demanded the immediate dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students, and action against those responsible for the alleged lathi-charge on protesters. He reiterated that the Opposition is prepared for a comprehensive parliamentary discussion on reforms in the education system.


