A political controversy erupted in Rajasthan ahead of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's scheduled visit to Kota on Wednesday for an interaction with students. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot accused Lok Sabha Speaker and Kota MP Om Birla's office of attempting to derail the event.
Gehlot's Allegations
In a post on X, Gehlot claimed that calls were made from Birla's office to Kota coaching centers and guest houses, warning them against allowing students to attend Gandhi's scheduled interaction at Dussehra Maidan. Repeating the charge on Tuesday, Gehlot said, 'LoP is visiting the constituency of the Lok Sabha Speaker and he should be welcomed. Instead, an atmosphere has been created where Birla ji himself is opposing the visit and wants to ensure no one attends the programme.'
Gehlot further demanded that the Speaker clarify his position. 'The Speaker should clarify his position on why this situation has arisen and at whose behest all this is happening. It does not befit the Speaker to create such circumstances that instill fear in the minds of educational institutions and ordinary people,' he added.
BJP's Response
The BJP staged a protest in Kota on Tuesday, accusing the Congress of attempting to disturb students days before the NEET retest. Former minister Rajendra Rathore responded to Gehlot's charges, saying, 'It is extremely irresponsible and unfortunate that Gehlot has levelled serious and baseless allegations against the Lok Sabha Speaker.' He questioned, 'Which parliamentary convention or rulebook in India mandates that the Lok Sabha Speaker must personally welcome an MP or the Leader of the Opposition?'
Congress Counter-Attack
Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Congress's Tikaram Jully, accused the BJP of resorting to pressure tactics. 'The BJP govt's panic has become evident even before Rahul Gandhi's arrival in Kota. You cannot suppress the anger and questions of the youth by removing posters, exerting pressure or misusing the administrative machinery,' he said.
Rahul Gandhi's Message
Writing about the Kota event on X, Gandhi said, 'Paper leaks, exam mismanagement, cancelled recruitments, skyrocketing fees, privatisation and scams — these are the very tools with which they are shattering the dreams of millions every day. I want to discuss all of this with you in detail. That is why I am calling upon you — let us transform the voice of students rising from every street, town and city across the country into a powerful roar in Kota.'
Videos circulating on social media on Tuesday showed posters publicising Gandhi's event being removed in Kota, triggering sharp reactions from the Congress and sparking a counter-attack from the BJP. The Congress party urged students to join Wednesday's programme in large numbers, just days before Sunday's NEET retest.
