Key Highlights
- Rahul Gandhi addressed students at 'Chhatron ki Goonj' rally in Kota on June 17, 2026.
- He criticized the education system for causing stress and crushing students.
- Five students—NEET, JEE, and civil services aspirants—interacted with him on stage.
- Congress plans a national campaign; BJP objects, calling it a distraction.
Rahul Gandhi's Address at Kota Rally
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (June 17, 2026) stated that India's education system places immense pressure on children, leading to stress and crushing their spirits. Speaking at the 'Chhatron ki Goonj' Maha rally in Kota, Rajasthan, he emphasized, "This is not good for the country. I want all of us to work together to ensure that no student in this country ever feels what this girl felt." The rally, organized by the Congress party, focused on issues like paper leaks and unemployment.
Gandhi clarified that the event was not a political meeting but a platform for students. "This is a meeting about you, about the young people who are struggling to get a future. This evening is about you, the challenges that you are dealing with every single day," he said in his opening remarks.
Student Interaction and Concerns
Following his speech, five students—three girls and two boys—were invited on stage for an interactive session. These students were preparing for NEET, JEE, and civil services examinations. Gandhi discussed their aspirations, reasons for choosing these competitive exams, and the financial burden of coaching. A large number of aspirants from Kota's coaching institutes attended the rally. Kota is a prominent coaching hub, with nearly 1.2 lakh students preparing for NEET and JEE.
Congress's Nationwide Campaign
The Congress party has projected the 'Chhatron ki Goonj' rally as the first in a series of nationwide student conventions. According to a party release, Gandhi will lead a national education campaign to amplify student grievances, demand accountability, and seek the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The campaign will travel across the country, with Congress units including NSUI and Youth Congress organizing conventions in Allahabad, Patna, and Delhi.
BJP's Objection
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has objected to the Congress's outreach, alleging that it could distract students preparing for examinations. However, the Congress maintains that the initiative is aimed at addressing genuine student concerns.
What Readers Should Know
- The rally highlights growing student distress over competitive exam pressures and systemic issues like paper leaks.
- Kota's coaching ecosystem, hosting over a lakh students, is a microcosm of India's education challenges.
- The Congress campaign seeks to build a conversation on education reform and youth welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Rahul Gandhi say about the education system?
He said India's education system puts pressure on children, stresses them and crushes them, which is not good for the country.
Where was the 'Chhatron ki Goonj' rally held?
The rally was held in Kota, Rajasthan, a major coaching hub for NEET and JEE aspirants.
What is the Congress party's plan following this rally?
The Congress plans a nationwide education campaign led by Rahul Gandhi, with conventions in Allahabad, Patna, and Delhi, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.