Political controversy has intensified in India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had “forgiven” students despite objectionable remarks made about him and his mother during protests. In an Instagram video released Friday night, Modi said it was time to guide young people onto the right path. The comments drew criticism from Congress and the Samajwadi Party.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said students harmed by question-paper leaks and cancelled examinations did not need forgiveness and that the prime minister should instead apologize to them. He accused the government of creating a corrupt examination system that had damaged many students’ futures, and said Modi had not met affected students or families. Congress leaders P. Chidambaram and Pawan Khera also questioned and criticized the prime minister’s remarks.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said the public would not forgive the BJP. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray called on the prime minister and home minister to apologize for police force against protesting students. The central government said it had taken steps including legal amendments and a task force to reform examinations. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi criticized opposition conduct.