Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined a protest organised by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) at Jantar Mantar on Monday, voicing strong opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University Grants Commission (UGC) draft rules, and the recurring issue of paper leaks.
Addressing the gathered students, Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging that the organisation is systematically dismantling India’s education infrastructure. “One organisation is trying to destroy the Indian education system, and that organisation is the RSS,” Gandhi asserted. “If our education system falls into their hands, the country will be destroyed, and employment will be finished.”
He further claimed that the RSS is placing its “nominated candidates” as Vice-Chancellors in universities nationwide, and that state universities are poised to fall under similar control.
Accused BJP and RSS
Gandhi also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not addressing the critical issue of unemployment. “A few days ago, the Prime Minister spoke about the Kumbh Mela. It is good that he spoke about the Kumbh, but I wanted him to speak about employment,” he said. “Your government has made the youth of this country unemployed, and you should speak about that too.”
Gandhi accused the BJP-RSS model of concentrating wealth in the hands of industrialists like Ambani and Adani, while simultaneously handing over institutional control to the RSS. He concluded his address by pledging solidarity with the students, stating, “We are all united, and we will fight together.”
Protest for NEP 2020
The NSUI protest, which drew attention to concerns about NEP 2020, UGC draft rules, and paper leaks, saw significant police intervention. Delhi Police detained several NSUI workers during the demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The protest highlighted growing student unrest over the direction of the country’s education policy and the perceived influence of the RSS.