Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday demanded that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan apologise to the youth of the country for referring to protesting students as “terrorists”. The remark, made during a recent event, has sparked a political row, with Gandhi calling it a “shameful” and “unacceptable” characterisation of young Indians exercising their democratic rights.
Gandhi’s sharp rebuke
Speaking to reporters, Gandhi said, “The Education Minister calling students terrorists is an insult to the entire youth of India. He should immediately apologise. The youth are the future of the nation, and such language is dangerous.” Gandhi’s comments came a day after Pradhan, while addressing a function, allegedly used the term “terrorist” to describe students who were part of recent protests against the government’s policies.
Pradhan’s controversial statement
According to reports, Pradhan made the remark while criticising the protests organised by student groups against the National Education Policy (NEP) and other issues. The minister was quoted as saying, “Some elements are trying to disrupt the education system. They are acting like terrorists.” The statement drew immediate flak from opposition parties, who accused the BJP-led government of stifling dissent.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said, “The minister’s choice of words reflects the arrogance of the Modi government. Students have every right to protest peacefully. Labeling them as terrorists is a gross misuse of power.”
Political fallout
The controversy has reignited debates about freedom of speech and assembly in India. Several student organisations, including the All India Students Association (AISA) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), have condemned Pradhan’s remark. “This is an attempt to intimidate students who are questioning the government’s failures,” said AISA president Shashi Yadav.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have defended Pradhan, arguing that his comments were taken out of context. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra said, “The minister was referring to anti-national elements, not all students. The opposition is deliberately twisting his words for political gain.”
Demand for action
Rahul Gandhi has also urged the Prime Minister to intervene and ensure that ministers refrain from using such language. “The PM must tell his ministers not to treat students as enemies. This is a democracy, not a dictatorship,” Gandhi added. The Congress has announced plans to raise the issue in Parliament when the session begins.
The incident is the latest in a series of verbal clashes between the ruling party and the opposition over the handling of student protests. In 2022, similar remarks by a BJP leader had led to widespread outrage and calls for a apology.
