Indore. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi interacted with students at the ‘Students Ki Goonj’ programme held in Indore on September 19. The event discussed education, employment, competitive examinations, recruitment processes and issues concerning young people. During his address, Rahul Gandhi questioned the existing system and said students should have the right to openly raise questions about their problems and future. He alleged that the current system prevents students from asking questions.

Rahul Gandhi said education is not merely a means of obtaining a degree but also gives young people the ability to ask questions and understand their rights. Several students raised their concerns during the programme. Issues related to competitive examinations, delays in recruitment and problems in the education system were also discussed.

A reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a mimicry act also emerged during the event. BJP leaders subsequently criticised Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, raising questions about the format of the programme and the issues raised there.

BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan responded to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, saying that instead of turning students’ problems into political issues, attention should be focused on resolving them. He referred to increased access to higher education, education loans and changes made to the examination system. He said students need better institutions, employment opportunities and a transparent system.

Other BJP leaders also criticised Rahul Gandhi over the mimicry of the Prime Minister. The Congress, on the other hand, has said that the purpose of ‘Students Ki Goonj’ was to bring forward the problems and experiences of young people.

Following Rahul Gandhi’s programme and the BJP’s response, political debate has intensified around education, employment and student-related issues.