New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a press conference in New Delhi, raising several questions over the ongoing student protests against the NEET paper leak controversy and the alleged police action against demonstrators.
Rahul Gandhi reiterated his demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the government has failed to protect the interests and future of students.
Questioning the action against protesting students, Rahul Gandhi asked:
“Why is this happening to our students? What exactly have our students done to have security forces aiming weapons at them?”
He said that students were protesting peacefully, raising their genuine concerns and demanding a fair education system.
“They are not committing any crime. They are simply asking for an education system that works fairly, and they do not have one,” Rahul Gandhi said.
‘India’s Education System is Rigged and Unaffordable’: Rahul Gandhi
The Congress leader alleged that the country’s education system has been compromised and has become financially unaffordable for many students.
Highlighting figures related to examination irregularities, Rahul Gandhi claimed:
- 152 paper leaks have taken place
- 7.5 crore students have been affected
- Zero convictions have taken place
He said, “It is not only that the system is rigged; the system is also unaffordable.”
Rahul Gandhi claimed that nearly ₹1.32 lakh crore is spent annually on NEET-related preparation and examination ecosystem, which he compared with the Government of India’s education budget of around ₹1.4 lakh crore.
He alleged that families are spending on a single examination an amount comparable to the government’s entire education budget.
“This is pure theft. This is the second reason why youngsters are out on the streets protesting,” he said.
‘Youth Have No Options Left’: Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi said that after completing education, young people are finding fewer opportunities as several employment avenues are shrinking.
He listed concerns including:
- Manufacturing opportunities declining
- Entrepreneurship facing challenges
- Corporate jobs being impacted by Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Privatisation of the public sector
He said that for many young Indians, government jobs have become the only available option.
“You give them one door, close all the others, then rig that system and make it unbelievably expensive. And then you expect them not to be out on the streets,” Rahul Gandhi said.
He expressed support for the students’ concerns and said the Opposition stands with every student demanding justice.
Rahul Gandhi Demands Action Over Police Action
Reacting to the alleged lathi charge on students, Rahul Gandhi said that there must be consequences for the actions taken against protesters.
He also claimed that during his interaction with police personnel while being taken away during a protest, some policemen privately expressed frustration with the government.
Rahul Gandhi said that students have three major demands:
- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should resign
- Every person responsible for assaulting students should be held accountable
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi should apologise to the students
He said the Congress party fully supports these demands and will continue to stand with students across the country.
“We fully support these demands and stand with every student,” Rahul Gandhi said.
