On August 1, 2026, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with families of NEET aspirants who reportedly died by suicide, and criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting any of the bereaved parents. Gandhi said, "PM Modi has the audacity to speak of 'forgiving' students even when he did not visit a single parent whose children committed suicide due to..." (the quote was cut off in the source).
The meeting took place amid ongoing concerns over the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and its impact on student mental health. Reports of student suicides linked to NEET pressure have sparked national debate and demands for reforms in the examination system.
Gandhi's remarks highlight a political clash over the handling of student distress and the government's response. The Prime Minister had earlier made statements about forgiving students, which Gandhi deemed insensitive given the lack of direct engagement with affected families.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Prime Minister's Office or the BJP regarding Gandhi's allegations. The issue remains a sensitive topic in Indian politics, with opposition parties calling for a thorough investigation into the reported suicides and better mental health support for students.
