NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he had forgiven the students who allegedly used abusive slogans against him during a recent protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, urging society to guide young people instead of seeking punitive action against them.
In a video message shared on Instagram, the Prime Minister said the slogans directed at him and his late mother were deeply hurtful but emphasised that young people should be given an opportunity to learn from their mistakes.
“What happened at Jantar Mantar… children from across the country used extremely abusive language. They abused me, and they even abused my late mother. It was deeply disturbing,” Modi said.
Referring to the incident, he said that while the language used was unacceptable, punishment or prolonged legal proceedings would not serve any constructive purpose.
“Children make mistakes, and childhood is also the time when they should be given a chance to correct those mistakes,” he said.
Appealing to the public to support his decision, the Prime Minister said, “I want to forgive those who abused me. I request society to accept my decision.”
Using a metaphor to explain his message, Modi said, “Sometimes we accidentally bite our tongue with our own teeth, and it bleeds. But we do not break our teeth, because both the teeth and the tongue are our own.”
He stressed that the students should be guided rather than alienated.
“They were misguided, and it is our responsibility to guide them. Punishing them, dragging them through courts, or subjecting them to social harassment will not change anything,” he said.
Addressing the students directly, Modi urged them to focus on their future and contribute to nation-building.
“Come, let us move forward together for the country. Let us learn from our mistakes and pursue our dreams. India is progressing rapidly, and I want each one of you to progress as well,” he said.
The video concluded with the message: “Abuses never solve anything. Let’s guide the misguided. Let’s work together. Let’s work for Bharat.”
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid legal proceedings arising from the controversy. A Zero FIR was registered against a Noida woman for allegedly making abusive remarks against Modi during the NEET paper leak protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
The case was registered on the complaint of a Ghaziabad resident under Sections 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 353(1) (statements conducing to public mischief) and 356(1) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The FIR has since been transferred to Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi for further investigation.
The controversy arose during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities. The protest at Jantar Mantar concluded on July 25 after the Centre accepted several key demands, including measures aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in the public examination system.
