New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for forgiving students who used abusive language against him during recent protests over the NEET paper leak, describing his response as an example of compassionate leadership and statesmanship.
The party said PM Modi chose reconciliation over retaliation, urging the youth to learn from their mistakes and contribute to nation-building instead of holding grudges against them.
BJP says PM Modi showed compassion by forgiving students
The remarks came a day after Prime Minister Modi released a video message on Instagram addressing the controversy surrounding the protests at Jantar Mantar. He said some “mischievous youngsters” had used language that was unacceptable in any civilised society, not only against him but also against his late mother.
Calling the students “children,” the Prime Minister said mistakes are part of youth and should become opportunities for learning. He said he wished to forgive them and hoped society would also accept his decision, adding that he harboured no ill feelings.
Reacting to the Prime Minister’s message, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo said PM Modi had displayed an “extraordinary heart” by forgiving those who had personally abused him and his family.
“He appealed to the students to abandon the path of abuse and participate in nation-building. Such a response reflects true statesmanship,” Shahdeo said.
Drawing a comparison with the past, Shahdeo claimed that while former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi responded to political unrest by imposing the Emergency, PM Modi had chosen to guide the students instead of taking punitive action.
BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain also praised the Prime Minister’s remarks, saying he spoke not merely as the country’s leader but as a guardian concerned about the nation’s youth.
“He has forgiven the students despite the offensive remarks directed at him and his late mother. There should be no politics over this issue,” Hussain said.
Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi described PM Modi as a leader with a “large and compassionate heart,” saying his decision to forgive the students reflected his commitment to guiding the younger generation rather than punishing them.
Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the Prime Minister’s response highlighted the difference between compassionate leadership and political arrogance.
“This is a lesson for everyone. On one side is the sensitivity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and on the other is the arrogance displayed by some political leaders,” Naqvi said.
The controversy stems from recent protests over the NEET paper leak, during which some protesters allegedly used abusive language against the Prime Minister. In his video message, PM Modi urged the youth to focus on building the nation and move forward with positivity instead of hatred.
