What happened: Rahul Gandhi at a Parliament book launch for Vaiko

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, made remarks at the launch of a book on Vaiko, former Member of Parliament and leader of the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), held in Parliament.

Rahul Gandhi said students involved in protests across India were suffering “severe pain.” Gandhi linked this suffering to unemployment and problems in the education system.

Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s description of student protesters in terms of “forgiveness.” Gandhi argued that students needed an apology from the government for actions against students rather than “forgiveness” from the Prime Minister.

Rahul Gandhi said student protests were driven by demands for fairness in examinations and a functioning education system.

Rahul Gandhi also linked student protests to a dispute about historical narratives. Gandhi claimed that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is trying to impose a single historical narrative.