New Delhi: The Congress party has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his video message urging to “forgive children” during ongoing protests. On July 31, 2026, the opposition party highlighted that while the nation demands an apology from the Prime Minister, he chose instead to extend forgiveness to the very youth expressing dissent.
In his address, Modi recounted the abusive language directed at him and his late mother at Jantar Mantar amid the protests related to NEET irregularities. He emphasized that dragging these “misguided children” into legal battles would not resolve the underlying issues, advocating instead for a more compassionate approach.
“Not only was I subjected to abusive language at Jantar Mantar, but even my late mother was abused there. But abuses never solve anything; let’s guide the misguided,” he stated.
He described the protesting students as “misguided children,” advocating against punitive measures or court proceedings, which he believes would not address the root causes of their frustrations.
“I want to forgive them. People make mistakes, but this is a cultural shock that our daughters are using such abusive language. We must forgive our youth who were misguided; after all, they are our children. It’s our duty to show them the right path,” Modi added.
The remarks have sparked a debate on the role of political leaders in addressing youth grievances, particularly in the context of rising tensions surrounding educational reforms and societal expectations. The Congress party’s response reflects a broader concern regarding the handling of dissent and the need for accountability among government officials.
