Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader, called Prime Minister Narendra Modi the most anti-youth Prime Minister in India’s history.
The remarks highlight growing tensions over employment opportunities and the integrity of national examinations, issues that have sparked widespread student unrest across the country.
Speaking to students in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, July 20, 2026 [1], Gandhi focused on a combination of economic and systemic failures. He said the crowd that India faces a severe youth jobs crisis and a problematic data monopoly [2].
Gandhi specifically condemned the recurring issue of examination paper leaks. He referenced the NEET-UG scam, stating, "The blood of India’s brightest is on this NEET-UG scam" [3]. He urged the younger generation to take a stand against these irregularities and the concentration of data power [2].
"We need the youth to speak up against paper leaks and data monopoly," Gandhi said [2].
While the address in Prayagraj focused on student grievances, other reports indicate a more volatile environment for youth activism. Dozens of youth protesters were reportedly removed by police during a separate incident outside the Prime Minister's residence [4].
Gandhi used the platform to pressure the government to address the lack of employment and the perceived lack of transparency in government-led testing processes. He framed these issues as a systemic failure to support the aspirations of the Indian youth [1].
Throughout the speech, Gandhi emphasized that the current administration's policies have marginalized the needs of students, a sentiment he believes is reflected in the current state of the labor market [2].
“"Narendra Modi is the most anti-youth Prime Minister in India’s history."”
This escalation in rhetoric reflects a strategic effort by the opposition to mobilize the youth vote by linking economic anxiety with administrative corruption. By focusing on paper leaks and data monopolies, Gandhi is attempting to frame the government not just as economically inefficient, but as a barrier to meritocracy and fair competition for India's students.
