Rahul Gandhi condemns Indian government’s student crackdown and pellet‑gun use

On July 31, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi used the social‑media platform X to accuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior officials of trying to silence Gen Z voices. He alleged that the government ordered the use of pellet guns against protesting students, injuring at least one with a pellet to the eye, and that thousands of cases have been filed against demonstrators despite earlier promises not to do so.

Opposition figures, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and several Lok Sabha MPs, echoed Gandhi’s criticism, questioning the government’s handling of student protests and the alleged FIRs against dissenters. Gandhi also highlighted remarks by Union Minister Anurag Thakur that drew further censure from opposition members.

The controversy centers on accusations of excessive force, alleged suppression of dissent, and the broader debate over the treatment of young activists in India.