Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has sparked a political controversy by attributing the death of medical aspirant Akanksha Chaturvedi to a 'corrupt and broken system' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a strongly worded statement, Gandhi claimed that the Prime Minister's 12-year tenure has severely damaged the education sector, forcing an entire generation of young Indians to bear the consequences.
Rahul Gandhi's Accusations
Speaking to reporters, Gandhi alleged that Akanksha's suicide was not an isolated incident but a direct outcome of systemic failures. 'This is not suicide; it is a consequence of a corrupt, broken system under PM Modi,' he asserted. He further criticized the government for neglecting educational reforms, stating that the Prime Minister had 'ruined the education system so much over 12 years that an entire young generation of India is paying the price for it.'
Akanksha's Dreams and Struggles
Akanksha Chaturvedi, a bright young woman from a humble background, aspired to become a doctor. Her father, a farmer, took a loan of Rs 3 lakh under the Kisan Credit Card scheme and even worked as a cook in Nagpur to fund her coaching classes. Despite these sacrifices, Akanksha's dreams were shattered, leading to her tragic death. Gandhi highlighted these details to underscore the immense pressure faced by students from economically weaker sections.
Targeting Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
Rahul Gandhi also took aim at Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, questioning his accountability. 'A young girl with dreams ended her life... And education minister Dharmendra Pradhan? He's still in his chair today,' Gandhi remarked, implying that the minister has failed to address the crisis in the education system.
The Congress leader's comments have reignited the debate on student suicides and the effectiveness of government policies in ensuring accessible and affordable education for all. Opposition parties have echoed Gandhi's concerns, calling for a thorough investigation and systemic reforms. Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, defending its record on education.
