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Rahul Gandhi said student protests across the country are a result of problems within the education system.
He claimed that the system has become expensive and “oppressive” and urged governments at all levels to address students’ concerns. (Image: ANI File)
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday spoke on the ongoing student protest in Jharkhand for the first time, saying that governments must listen to students and take steps to reform the country’s education system.
Responding to a question on Instagram, Gandhi said student protests across the country are a result of problems within the education system. He claimed that the system has become expensive and “oppressive” and urged governments at all levels to address students’ concerns.
“Student protests in the country are happening against the education system. I have clearly said in Dehradun, Kota, and I am going to say in Allahabad as well that our education system has collapsed. It is expensive and oppressive. Every government must listen to students and take action to change the education system, whether it is a Congress government, the central government, or the Jharkhand government,” Gandhi said.
Also Read | ‘If Dharmendra Pradhan Can Resign, Why Not Hemant Soren?’: Jharkhand Student Protest Enters Day 13
His remarks come at a time when the Congress is part of the ruling coalition in Jharkhand. The party had earlier extended support to students protesting at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.
The BJP criticised the Congress over its stance. Koderma MLA Neera Yadav said, “The Congress puts up one mask when the stir is in Delhi and a different one for Jharkhand.”
Gandhi has previously been vocal about student protests linked to alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, a controversy that led to the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Jharkhand Student Protest
The protest in Jharkhand began on July 25 under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi and has emerged as one of the largest student-led movements in the state in recent years.
The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Examination and an independent investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. They have sought a probe either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or by a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state.
The agitation intensified after five protesters, including two women, joined Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto in a hunger strike. Mahto has been fasting for the past five days, with concerns raised over his health after his blood sugar and blood pressure levels dropped significantly.
The protesters said they were forced to adopt an intensified form of agitation after repeated appeals to the government failed to result in concrete action.
“Our five friends, including two women, have joined the hunger strike to strengthen the movement and press for our demands,” JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch spokesperson Jivan Kumar said.
One of the fasting protesters, Sabita Kumari, alleged that the government had ignored students’ concerns, leaving them with no option but to intensify their protest.
About the Author
Saurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking power shifts, election strateg…Read More
August 06, 2026, 18:57 IST
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