India's PM Narendra Modi criticized by Congress over youth protest crackdown

The Indian National Congress accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of playing the victim and demanded an apology for the police crackdown on student protesters at Jantar Mantar. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called Modi's "Instagram sabhas" a display of "supreme self‑obsession" and said the government’s actions caused trauma to lakhs of youth.

Former Union Home Minister and senior Congress figure P. Chidambaram also targeted Modi, questioning whether the prime minister had forgiven the abusive comments posted by alleged BJP trolls on social media. Chidambaram highlighted Modi’s own remarks that he and his late mother had been subjected to profane language during the protest, and urged the leader to address the tone of public discourse.

Modi responded by urging society to embrace the young people involved, describing the incident as a cultural shock but emphasizing forgiveness and guidance rather than punitive measures.