Priyanka Gandhi Appeals to Centre to Engage With Students, Says Dialogue Is the Way Forward

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday appealed to the central government to open a dialogue with protesting students, stating that many of them have lost confidence in the existing system and feel their concerns are not being addressed. Speaking to ANI about the ongoing student protests, Priyanka Gandhi said the government must seriously consider the demands raised by the students, including calls for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an investigation into alleged incidents of violence against protesters, and action on their other grievances.

She said that true leadership requires listening to people during difficult situations. According to Priyanka Gandhi, students are seeking accountability and justice, and a resolution cannot be achieved unless their concerns are properly heard and addressed. "Students are asking for certain things, while the government is responding with something else. It is necessary to listen to their voices and understand their demands," she said. Drawing a comparison, the Congress leader said the situation was similar to parents making decisions for their children without considering their aspirations. She suggested that authorities should understand what students want rather than imposing solutions without consultation.

Priyanka Gandhi also questioned the use of force against protesters, saying that the government cannot claim to support students while allowing actions that make them feel unheard. She urged the Centre to directly communicate with student representatives and work towards rebuilding trust. She added that leaders must sometimes set aside their fears and engage with the public, pointing out that thousands of students have gathered at Jantar Mantar to raise their concerns.

Congress leader KC Venugopal also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement on establishing fast-track courts to punish those involved in examination paper leaks. He claimed that the government’s assurances have lost credibility among people. Venugopal said the Centre should first remove Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan from his position and then hold discussions with protesting students. He alleged that students would not trust government assurances unless concrete action was taken.

The student protests have intensified discussions around examination security, accountability, and the need for reforms to ensure transparency in India’s education system. As demands for action continue, the focus remains on whether the government and student groups can find common ground through dialogue.