Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of repeatedly choosing repression over dialogue. In remarks reported on July 24, 2026, she said the government views students seeking accountability as “enemies of the country.” She said the state had used its power against the country’s future generation rather than responding with empathy.

Gandhi said a similar pattern had been seen in the treatment of farmers and rights activists. She described the use of repressive state power against future doctors, engineers, teachers, government officials and entrepreneurs as unforgivable. According to Gandhi, the crisis in India’s education system and the government’s tendency to avoid accountability are the main causes of student protests. She said students’ protests were natural because they face an uncertain and discouraging education system, and argued that repressive conduct rather than listening to their concerns and demands was making the situation more complicated.