‘Gen Z Will Shatter PM’s Arrogance’: Rahul Gandhi Slams Centre Over CBSE OSM Row

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday intensified his criticism of the Narendra Modi-led government over the ongoing CBSE OSM controversy, saying that India’s younger generation would ultimately reject authoritarian politics and “shatter the Prime Minister’s arrogance.” (m.economictimes.com)

The controversy erupted after objections were raised over certain content and academic references linked to CBSE educational material, triggering a wider political debate on freedom of thought, education policy, and ideological influence in classrooms. Opposition parties accused the Centre of attempting to reshape educational narratives and suppress critical perspectives.

Reacting strongly to the issue, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government was underestimating India’s youth. In a social media statement, the Congress MP said today’s students are more informed, digitally connected, and capable of questioning authority unlike previous generations. (m.economictimes.com)

“The youth of India are watching everything. Gen Z will shatter this arrogance,” Rahul Gandhi reportedly said while attacking the government’s handling of educational and institutional matters.

The Congress leader further accused the BJP-led Centre of promoting fear and ideological control within educational institutions. According to him, attempts to influence textbooks and academic discourse would not succeed in silencing independent thinking among students. (indianexpress.com)

The BJP, however, dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s remarks and accused the Congress of politicising academic matters for electoral gains. Several BJP leaders defended the government’s education policies and claimed that reforms introduced under the National Education Policy were aimed at modernising India’s education system rather than imposing ideology.

The issue has rapidly gained traction on social media platforms, particularly among students and young voters. Hashtags related to the CBSE controversy and Rahul Gandhi’s “Gen Z” remark began trending shortly after his statement, with supporters and critics engaging in heated online debates.

Political analysts believe Rahul Gandhi’s comments are strategically aimed at younger voters, a demographic that is expected to play a decisive role in upcoming state elections and future national political battles. Over the past two years, the Congress leader has increasingly focused his messaging on unemployment, education, digital freedom, and youth participation in democracy.

The latest remarks also come at a time when the opposition has repeatedly accused the Centre of centralising institutional control and limiting dissenting voices across universities and educational bodies. Congress leaders argue that educational institutions should remain spaces for open dialogue and critical thinking rather than political influence.

Meanwhile, education experts have called for greater transparency and clarity regarding the controversy. Some academics stressed that educational reforms should involve wider consultation with teachers, students, and subject experts to avoid unnecessary political confrontation.

As the debate continues to intensify, the CBSE OSM controversy has once again pushed education policy into the centre of India’s political discourse, with both the ruling party and the opposition seeking to shape public opinion ahead of future elections.