Rahul to PM Modi: Gen Z Has Moved On,Don’t Try the Old Tricks

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday (July 31, 2026) accused the Narendra Modi government of targeting students who had participated in recent protests, alleging that authorities were filing FIRs, detaining protesters and restricting their social-media presence even after the agitation had been called off. The allegations come amid an escalating political dispute over the treatment of student protesters following demonstrations linked to concerns over the NEET examination and demands for accountability from the government. Opposition parties have criticised the police response to the protests, while the government has defended its handling of law-and-order issues. Rahul Gandhi accused the government of attempting to silence young protesters through legal and online measures. He said the use of FIRs and other actions against students amounted to an attempt to discourage members of Gen Z from raising their voices. Kharge also stepped up his criticism, questioning the government's approach towards students and demanding accountability over the action taken during the demonstrations. His remarks added to the broader Opposition campaign accusing the Centre of using state machinery against protesters. The controversy follows police action against student demonstrators earlier in July. On July 21, Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders staged a protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence after the previous day's clashes between police and students. The Opposition alleged excessive use of force, while the government maintained that security and law-and-order considerations had to be taken into account. The situation has also become a major issue inside Parliament, with Opposition MPs demanding answers from the government over the handling of the student protests. Reports said the dispute over the protests and the government's response contributed to repeated confrontations between the Opposition and the ruling side. The allegations regarding FIRs, detentions and social-media restrictions remain part of the political contest between the Congress and the Centre. Claims about specific accounts being blocked or restricted would require confirmation from the relevant authorities or platforms before being treated as independently established facts. The row has nevertheless widened the political debate over students' right to protest, the limits of police action and the government's responsibility to address grievances raised by young people. With both sides continuing to defend their positions, the treatment of the protesters is likely to remain a prominent issue in the ongoing political confrontation.