NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his announcement that fast-track courts would be set up to deal with paper leak cases.In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi rejected PM Modi’s assertion that the government was protecting students’ interests. He wrote, “You are the one who has harmed the future of our youth the most.”He further alleged that the government had allowed the country’s education system to deteriorate. “You allowed and encouraged the total capture and destruction of our education system – and protected every person responsible for it,” Rahul Gandhi said.The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha also reiterated the demands raised by protesting students: “1. Sack Dharmendra Pradhan. 2. Apologise to the students. 3. Take action against those who assaulted them.”Rahul Gandhi’s remarks came shortly after PM Modi announced that fast-track courts would be established to ensure swift punishment for those involved in paper leaks.This came after PM Modi in a post on X wrote :”Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.”He added that the authorities had been directed to take all necessary steps. “This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” PM Modi wrote.Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also criticised the Prime Minister over the announcement. He said PM Modi was avoiding a discussion in Parliament on the issue.“The PM does not have the courage to stand up in Parliament, speak and engage in serious debate like all his predecessors did when the occasion demanded,” Ramesh wrote on X.He claimed the Prime Minister’s social media post reflected pressure from the ongoing protests. “Actually, the post such as it is demonstrates that he is shaken and rattled,” Ramesh said. He also targeted the government over alleged irregularities, writing, “Vote Chori, Seat Chori, Chanda Chori, Exam Paper Chori…. the list goes on and on.”Protests over the NEET paper leak controversy continued in Delhi and several other cities. The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party has been demanding Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, action against those responsible for the paper leak, and accountability from the Centre.
