With both BJP and Congress involved in a war of words, what was planned as a student focused rally has turned into political arena. Ahead of party chief’ large scale protests in Kota, Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra accused the BJP of removing Rahul Gandhi’s posters and attempting to undermine the Opposition leader’s outreach to students. The leader also accused BJP of being rattled by the response to the program. He alleged that authorities were removing publicity material ahead of the rally and challenged to proceed the event regardless of any hurdles.
The Congress’ official X account also accused the BJP government of trying to suppress student voices by removing banners and posters. “Posters can be removed, but the voice of the youth cannot be silenced,” the Congress said on X.
According to reports, BJP has been mounting pressure on coaching institutes, PG operators and guest-house owners to discourage student participation.
The BJP has however denied the charges calling it ‘baseless’ and ‘politically rooted’. Leader Rajendra Rathore challenged the opposition to provide evidence for their claims and criticized them for dragging the Lok Sabha Speaker in the matter.
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to hold a major student convention in Kota today, positioning the event as a platform to amplify concerns over exam irregularities, paper leaks and youth unemployment. On Monday, he called on students and young job aspirants to join the “Students’ Echo” (Chhatron Ki Goonj) protest in Rajasthan’s Kota on June 17.
Taking to X on Tuesday he wrote “My young and Gen Z friends, one thing is clear to me… securing the future of every young Indian is the government’s responsibility. Yet, both responsibility and integrity are concepts alien to the Modi government… 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.”
The program commences at 5:30 pm at the Shri Ram Rangmanch in the Dussehra Ground. After Kota, Gandhi plans to hold meetings with students in Prayagraj, Patna and Delhi.