New York, August 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda has urged political parties not to hijack or politicise youth-led campaigns over education, examination irregularities and unemployment, saying young people should be allowed to articulate their concerns independently.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Pitroda said political parties could support young campaigners and act as a catalyst, but should not appropriate their movement for electoral or political gain.
“Love them, care for them, support them, let them do their thing. Don’t politicize it,” he said.
Asked why the Congress had not taken the lead in channelising the anger among young people, Pitroda said excessive political involvement could undermine the credibility of the campaign.
“The idea was not to really polarize. Idea was to let them do what they think is right to do. By your interfering in there, you would have destroyed their initiative,” he said.
“We could be a catalyst, but not take advantage of that,” he added.
Pitroda said he would oppose any attempt by a political party close to him to take control of the campaign.
“I would have said, no. Don’t do that. That’s not in the interest of the young people,” he said.
He argued that the issues raised by young people were primarily about basic public services and opportunities rather than party politics.
“They are saying solve my problem. Fix my school. It’s leaking. Fix my garden. Fix my bathroom. Paint my school. Make sure my teacher comes on time. Hire teachers,” Pitroda said.
He also listed properly conducted examinations, functioning healthcare centres and employment opportunities among the concerns that young people wanted addressed.
“Make sure my exams are properly conducted and make sure I have opportunities to build my life. I think that’s what young people are saying. Fix it,” he said.
Pitroda acknowledged that opposition parties had a responsibility to raise public concerns but said young campaigners should first be allowed to speak in their own voice.
“True, but let them raise their voice first. Don’t grab their voice. Don’t come in the middle and say, ‘Ah, this is my voice.’ No. It is their voice. Children have spoken,” he said.
He also defended young protesters who used abusive language while expressing their anger, saying such outbursts reflected the intensity of their frustration.
“Some kids really were really mad and used four letter words and all kinds of foul language. To me, it’s okay. I’m not mad at them. It shows their anger,” he said.
“Think of the fact that they are so angry, they had to use that kind of language. So appreciate their frustration,” he added.
Pitroda said the campaign had remained centred on young people’s concerns about their future.
“All they’re saying is, ‘Hey, my future is at stake. My education is at stake. My job is at stake. Help me.’ That’s all,” he said.
He also called on communities and parents to share responsibility for improving local schools instead of placing the entire burden on governments.
“Why can’t local community say that we will go and fix our children’s school? What does it take? Not much,” he said, adding that young people had highlighted how educational facilities had been neglected, including by parents and communities.
India has a large youth population, making education, competitive examinations and employment important public-policy and political issues. Student-led protests have periodically focused on examination irregularities, recruitment delays, education costs and conditions in publicly funded institutions.
FOLLOW NOW
