Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that abuses never solve anything after facing abusive remarks during a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi [1].
The reaction comes as the government navigates tensions surrounding public demonstrations and the conduct of protesters. By calling for forgiveness and guidance rather than retribution, the Prime Minister is attempting to shift the narrative from political conflict to a social responsibility toward the youth.
Modi addressed the abuse directed at himself and his late mother during the demonstrations [2]. He said that the society should not seek to punish those who used the language, but should instead offer a path toward correction.
"Abuses never solve anything. We cannot make kids wise by abusing them. Let us guide the misguided and work together for Bharat," Modi said [1].
The Prime Minister characterized the protesters as mischievous children who had erred in their conduct. He said that an approach of empathy would be more effective than a punitive one in addressing the root of the behavior [2].
"We must embrace and guide the mischievous children who used abusive language instead of punishing them," Modi said [2].
This response marks the first public reaction from the Prime Minister regarding the specific row at Jantar Mantar. The incident had drawn attention to the increasing volatility of street protests in the capital, where personal attacks on leadership have become more frequent.
“"Abuses never solve anything."”
This response reflects a strategic attempt to maintain a moral high ground by framing political dissent as a failure of youth guidance rather than a legitimate political grievance. By emphasizing forgiveness and the role of society in mentoring the 'misguided,' the administration seeks to delegitimize the aggression of the protesters while avoiding the optics of a state crackdown on speech.
