Congress Accuses PM Modi of Playing Victim Card Over Jantar Mantar Remarks
The Congress party on August 1, 2026, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his video comments regarding abuses directed at him during protests at Jantar Mantar. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the Prime Minister of playing the victim card and demanded an apology for the treatment of student protesters and ongoing examination paper leak issues.
What Happened
In an Instagram video released on July 31, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that he was pained by filthy abuses directed at his late mother during demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. While noting that it hurt him to hear young women using such language, he called for forgiving the misguided children, stating that society should embrace the youth and guide them on the right path.
Responding to the video on August 1, 2026, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh issued a statement on X. Ramesh described the Prime Minister’s message as an act of supreme self-obsession and rejected the offer of forgiveness, calling it an insult to young people demanding accountability.
Key Highlights
- Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh rejected PM Modi’s statement offering forgiveness to youth involved in Jantar Mantar protests.
- The Opposition party demanded an apology for alleged Home Ministry-sanctioned police action against protesting students.
- Congress highlighted student trauma caused by paper leaks under the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- Ramesh criticized what he termed InstaGram sabhas and recalled previous governance issues, including the November 8, 2016 demonetisation and the Ram Mandir Trust.
Why This Matters
The political exchange highlights opposition criticism regarding student welfare, examination integrity under the National Testing Agency, and government handling of public demonstrations. Rather than accepting the Prime Minister’s call to guide youth, the Congress party is pressing for direct executive responsibility on administrative and political issues.
What to Watch Next
It remains to be seen whether the central government or the National Testing Agency will respond directly to the specific demands raised by the Congress party concerning student protests and examination leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the political row between Congress and PM Modi?
The controversy followed an Instagram video posted by PM Modi on July 31, 2026, where he addressed verbal abuses aimed at his late mother during Jantar Mantar protests and urged forgiveness for misguided youth. Congress responded by asking the Prime Minister to apologize to students rather than offer forgiveness.
What specific demands did the Congress party make?
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh demanded that the Prime Minister apologize for reported brutality against student protesters and the ongoing distress caused to candidates by paper leaks associated with the National Testing Agency.
Source: Based on official statements reported by The Hindu on August 1, 2026.