JAMMU, Jul 25: Senior National Conference leader Rajesh Gupta on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi-led Central Government, alleging that it has inflicted the greatest damage on the future of India’s youth by systematically weakening the country’s education system and suppressing the democratic voice of students.
“The Modi Government has harmed the future of our youth more than anyone else. It allowed the complete capture and destruction of our education system and continued to shield those responsible for repeated failures, paper leaks and institutional collapse. Instead of protecting students, it has protected the guilty,” Gupta said.
Expressing solidarity with the ongoing student movement, Gupta reiterated the key demands raised by the agitating students, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an unconditional apology from the Government to the students of the country, and strict action against those responsible for assaulting peaceful protesters.
He also strongly condemned the Bihar Government and the Udhampur Police in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing them of using force against peaceful student demonstrators. “A government that responds to students with lathis and intimidation instead of dialogue is undermining the very foundations of democracy. Peaceful protests cannot be answered with repression,” he said.
Drawing a parallel with India’s freedom movement, Gupta said, “We were not born during the struggle for Independence, but we have heard and read countless stories of the sacrifices, courage, unity and determination that won us freedom. Today, it feels as though those very scenes are unfolding before our eyes once again.”
“I have witnessed the extraordinary courage of our youth. I have seen their determination, struggle, strength, tears, emotions and revolutionary spirit. I have seen students standing shoulder to shoulder, helping one another, caring for the injured, trusting each other and fearlessly challenging an unjust system. Even after facing injuries and police action, they refused to surrender. Their resilience, wisdom and unwavering resolve have become an inspiration for the entire nation,” he added.
Gupta said what makes the movement historic is the unity displayed by students from every corner of the country. “They have risen above caste, religion, language and regional differences to stand together for justice. This is the real India. For the first time, I have truly witnessed the living spirit of the Constitution reflected in the words, ‘We, the People of India.'”
Paying tribute to the young protesters, Gupta said, “I salute every student who became part of this historic movement and every citizen who supported it directly or indirectly. The courage, unity and democratic spirit displayed by our youth will be remembered for generations. This movement has already secured its place in history and will be written in golden letters as a shining example of the power of India’s youth.”