Rahul Gandhi to address rally in Kota amid paper leak row, Lok Sabha Speaker's office accused of interference

Image credit: rahulgandhi.in

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a mega rally in Kota today, accusing the BJP government of "shattering millions of dreams" through paper leaks and exam mismanagement, even as a political row erupted over allegations that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's office tried to derail the event.

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot claimed on Tuesday that calls were being made from Birla's office to Kota coaching centres and guest houses, warning them against allowing students to attend Rahul Gandhi's scheduled interaction at Dussehra Maidan. Videos circulating on social media showed posters publicising Gandhi's event being removed in Kota, triggering sharp reactions from the Congress.

"LoP is visiting the constituency of the Lok Sabha Speaker and he should be welcomed. Instead, an atmosphere has been created where Birla ji himself is opposing the visit and wants to ensure no one attends the programme," Gehlot said. "It does not befit the Speaker to create such circumstances that instill fear in the minds of educational institutions and ordinary people."

The BJP staged a counter-protest, with former minister Rajendra Rathore calling Gehlot's allegations "extremely irresponsible and unfortunate."

Congress: Youth face 'two examinations'

Congress leader Pawan Khera asserted on Wednesday that Indian youth have to face "two examinations" — one at the examination center whose papers get leaked, and the other of "their patience, their courage, and their perseverance" for having to deal with dual struggles.

"Our youth don't face just one, but two examinations. One is the one that takes place in the examination center, whose papers get leaked. And the second is of their patience, their courage, and their perseverance," Khera said in a post on X. He added that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party "will not remain silent on this injustice," calling it "a major issue in our political agenda, because it is not just a question of the students, but of the entire society and the future of India."

Nationwide movement to expand

According to All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal, the first phase of the "Chhatron Ki Goonj" campaign commences today from Kota and will continue with protests scheduled for Prayagraj, Patna and Delhi.

According to the campaign website, rahulgandhi. in, "Chhatron Ki Goonj is a nationwide movement led by Rahul Gandhi, bringing together millions of students and young Indians whose hard work, dreams, and futures have been undermined by paper leaks, examination irregularities, and rising fees."

The site describes it as "a platform for young people to raise their voice, share their experiences, and demand accountability for repeated failures in India's education system."

Rahul Gandhi's message to students

"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," Rahul Gandhi said in a social media post.

He listed paper leaks, exam mismanagement, cancelled recruitments, skyrocketing fees, privatisation and scams as "tools" the government is using to destroy students' futures.

"Every paper leak, every canceled exam, every stalled recruitment - these aren't just failures of the system, but blows struck against the dreams of millions," he said. "I know you're exhausted. You're angry. But remember this - when the government refuses to listen, you have to raise your voice louder. That's why I'm calling on all of you - June 17, Kota. Students' Echo. Let's come together and become a roar that can't be ignored. Starting from Kota - then reaching every corner of the country," he said. "This is a fight for your future. And I'm with you," he added.

NEET re-exam scheduled for June 21

The rally comes just days before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, from 2.00 pm to 5.15 pm. The National Testing Agency scheduled the retest following the cancellation of the May 3 exam due to paper leak controversies. The issue has also drawn attention to the temporary ban on Telegram imposed by the NTA ahead of the re-examination, which the agency said was necessary to prevent fraudsters from circulating fake question papers.