Rahul Gandhi Supports Protests
Rahul Gandhi Supports MP Teacher Protest and Criticizes Institutional Control
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Key Points
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Gandhi claimed that education’s share of the national budget had fallen from 4.6% under the UPA government in 2014 to 2.6%, or about Rs 7.7 lakh crore, under the current government.
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He said, “Education is not a luxury. Education is not a favour. Education is the right of every student in India,” framing education as a right rather than a benefit provided at the government’s discretion.
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As an example of the questions students raise, Gandhi questioned how Amit Shah’s son became chairman of a cricket association despite, he said, not having played cricket.
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Gandhi described the alleged power structure as having multiple layers and said six people were at the top; he characterized Prime Minister Narendra Modi as responsible for intimidation, Amit Shah as the “enforcer,” and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval as part of that network.
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The event had a highly interactive, youth-focused format: students from across Madhya Pradesh raised issues directly, while attendees chanted “Rahul Gandhi Zindabad” and illuminated the venue with their mobile-phone lights.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi promised to join a protest by teacher-job aspirants in Madhya Pradesh at a youth event in Indore, positioning himself as an ally of students frustrated by recruitment freezes and alleged irregularities. Telegraph India reported that Gandhi accused the BJP-RSS of corrupting the education system and claimed that India's political institutions fear students because they ask tough questions rather than blindly follow orders.
The event, called 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' (Students' Echo), brought together students from across Madhya Pradesh to raise grievances directly. A 13% freeze on government recruitment appointments has stalled hiring amid an OBC-reservation legal dispute, while students reported action taken against candidates who flagged irregularities.
Education Funding Cut Nearly in Half, Gandhi Claims
Gandhi stated that education's share of the national budget dropped sharply from 4.6% under the previous UPA government in 2014 to 2.6% under the current administration—roughly Rs 7.7 lakh crore. The Meghalayan Express reported Gandhi's assertion that education is a fundamental right, not a luxury or government favor.
He framed education access as a basic entitlement for every Indian student. The funding cuts, Gandhi implied, reflect a deliberate erosion of the education system by those currently in power.
Students Demand Action on Hiring Freeze and Irregularities
Madhya Pradesh students highlighted a freeze affecting 13% of government-recruitment appointments tied to an ongoing OBC-reservation legal dispute. They also reported shortages of tribal hostels, teacher vacancies, and alleged punishment of candidates who reported irregularities during the hiring process.
These grievances formed the core of the interactive Q&A format at the event, where students from across the state raised concerns directly. Gandhi's commitment to join their protest signals Congress backing for their demands regarding transparent, merit-based recruitment.
Gandhi Criticizes Power Structure at Top of Government
Gandhi alleged that six people at the top of India's power structure control multiple layers of influence across political, bureaucratic, and business institutions. He characterized Prime Minister Narendra Modi as responsible for intimidation and Amit Shah as the "enforcer" of this system, with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval playing a coordinating role.
As an example, Gandhi questioned how Amit Shah's son became chairman of a cricket association without playing cricket—suggesting merit-based systems have been compromised. He also made unverified claims that Ajit Doval controls social media and engages in surveillance, allegations not independently confirmed in available reports.
BJP Minister Denounces Gandhi's Student Outreach
Newsable reported that Union Minister Jual Oram responded sharply, calling Gandhi's remarks at the Indore event "shameful" and "condemnable." The BJP has pushed back against Congress accusations that it has hollowed out the education system, framing Gandhi's student engagement as politically motivated.
The clash reflects broader disagreement over education policy and student representation. Congress figures like Jairam Ramesh have accused the BJP-RSS of corrupting institutional quality, while ruling-party officials dismiss such criticism as partisan opposition tactics.
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