Rahul Gandhi attacks Centre ahead of 'Echo of Students' rally in Kota

Kota (Rajasthan) [India], June 17 (HBTV): Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday called upon the youth to join his mega rally, 'Echo of Students', in Rajasthan's Kota, which will focus on issues such as alleged NEET-UG examination paper leaks, recruitment irregularities and challenges faced by students and job aspirants.

In a Facebook post, Gandhi criticised the Central government, characterising it as a machine that has systematically 'crushed' the aspirations of young people for a better life throughout its 12-year tenure.

'Every young Indian has the right to dream of a better life and success—and it is the government's responsibility to fulfil those dreams. Yet, for 12 years, the Modi government has been a machine that crushes these very dreams,' he said.

Reaffirming that the Congress stands with the youth against 'corruption and oppression', Gandhi said, 'Together, we will transform the voice of students into a clarion call for change.'

Earlier in the day, Gandhi alleged that paper leaks, exam mismanagement, cancelled recruitments, rising fees, privatisation and scams were shattering the dreams of millions of young Indians.

'My young and Gen Z comrades, one thing is clear in my mind, and you too should etch it in your heart: securing the future of every youth in India is the government's responsibility. But responsibility and honesty—both are beyond the Modi government's way of thinking,' Gandhi said in a post on X.

Gandhi will spearhead a series of large student conventions across the country, beginning in Kota, as the Congress steps up its campaign over alleged examination scandals and issues affecting youth.

According to Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, the events will later be held in Allahabad on July 10, Patna on July 11 and Delhi on July 14, bringing together students, job aspirants, youth organisations and educators.

'Rahul Gandhi will conduct a series of large student conventions starting with Kota (June 17), Allahabad (July 10), Patna (July 11) and Delhi (July 14), bringing together students, aspirants, youth organisations, educators and all those directly affected by examination scandals,' Venugopal said.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sambit Patra on Wednesday criticised Gandhi over the proposed 'Echo of Students' rally in Kota, alleging that the Congress leader was attempting to mislead students and create stress among them ahead of the NEET-UG examination.

Patra said Gandhi should display responsibility and accountability in public life.

'Somewhere in the behaviour of Rahul Gandhi, there should be a sense of responsibility and accountability. But we have always seen that Rahul Gandhi lacks responsibility; he never works with a sense of responsibility,' Patra said.

(ANI)