Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday hit out at Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his 'terrorist' remark against protesting students, demanding an immediate apology to crores of young people and resignation for his 'failures'. Gandhi accused the government of criminalising dissent and targeting students for questioning the system.
Gandhi's social media post
In a social media post, Gandhi said it was shocking that students demanding fair examinations and a secure future were being branded as 'terrorists', even as repeated paper leaks and alleged administrative failures had pushed millions of young people into uncertainty. He reiterated his charge that the country's education system had turned into an 'extortion racket'.
Congress launches 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign
Seeking to channel growing anger over repeated paper leaks and recruitment delays into a nationwide movement, the Congress on Thursday launched 'Chhatron Ki Goonj', a 40-day campaign aimed at mobilising students across the country against what it described as the collapse of trust in the examination and education system. The campaign, spearheaded by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), was rolled out simultaneously at 28 locations. It will feature outreach drives, town hall meetings, public interactions, and pamphlet distribution across schools, colleges, and universities.
Gaurav Gogoi's remarks
At a press conference, Assam Congress chief and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi said repeated examination irregularities had exposed deep structural flaws, leaving students questioning the credibility of recruitment and entrance tests. 'The faith of millions of students in the system has been shaken. Every paper leak leaves behind shattered aspirations and unanswered questions over accountability,' Gogoi said. He added that the recurrence of such incidents had convinced many students that the problem could no longer be dismissed as isolated lapses or administrative errors. Parents, too, were bearing heavy financial and emotional costs due to the uncertainty surrounding examinations and recruitment processes.
Campaign details
The Congress stated that the campaign would highlight issues affecting candidates appearing for examinations such as NEET, JEE, and SSC, alongside concerns relating to school education and delayed recruitments. To facilitate participation, NSUI has introduced a QR-code registration system and a missed-call facility, enabling students to report grievances and register complaints linked to examinations and education. The first phase of the campaign will run until August 9. NSUI leaders warned that if their demands remain unmet, students nationwide would be mobilised for a 'Delhi Chalo' march and protest in the capital.
