Prayagraj, August 9: Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi visited Prayagraj on Saturday, targeting both the central and Uttar Pradesh governments during the ‘Voice of Students’ event. He raised concerns about employment, competitive exams, alleged paper leaks, and privatization. Gandhi emphasized that the biggest challenge facing the youth of the country is unemployment, stating that despite investments in education, job opportunities are dwindling.
While addressing the students, Rahul remarked, “The data is yours, the pain is yours, and the wealth belongs to them.” He accused the political and institutional framework of the country of being under a specific control. He noted that individuals affiliated with the RSS are being placed in universities, bureaucracy, and other institutions. With around 400 million young people in India, he asserted that they represent the nation’s greatest strength. When he refers to the youth as the power and pride of India, he means all young people across the country, not just those present at the event.
Gandhi pointed out that students invest in their education, families spend money, and degrees are obtained, yet there is no guarantee of employment afterward. He claimed that only 12 out of 1,000 youths secure permanent jobs. He attributed the weakening of the manufacturing sector to the impact on employment opportunities. He also criticized the demonetization and GST, stating they have adversely affected small businesses and job availability. He noted that while “Made in China” and “Made in Vietnam” are prominent, “Made in India” is not as visible. Additionally, he raised concerns about the privatization of public sector enterprises and airports.
During the event, students shared their struggles. Rahul engaged directly with students preparing for competitive exams. One student, Avinash, mentioned he has been preparing for teacher recruitment since 2018 but has yet to secure a position. He expressed frustration over unfilled vacancies. Another student emotionally shared his dilemma of either opening a tea shop or contemplating suicide. Rahul intervened, stating that suicide is not a solution and inquired about the financial burden on his family.
The student revealed he sold land to fund his B.Ed. and is now searching for a job. A female student from Bihar recounted police action during a protest by competitive exam candidates. Another student highlighted the alleged use of batons and tear gas during a demonstration in Patna. He stated that students are compelled to protest continuously regarding jobs, exams, and results. Rahul encouraged students to voice their concerns openly, recalling his own nervousness during his first public speech, but praised the students for speaking freely.
He told them, “You are the power of India; you are the pride of India.” He reiterated that the youth population is the nation’s greatest asset and their energy should be harnessed for nation-building. He also questioned the youth’s use of social media, suggesting that they are being encouraged to create and consume reels, which has become a form of addiction in the 21st century.
Gandhi criticized Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s government over the alleged paper leaks in competitive exams in Uttar Pradesh. He pointed out that questions have been raised about recruitment exams since 2017, mentioning various exams, including the police recruitment and UP SI exams. He expressed concern that youth are trapped in a cycle of exams, protests, and results. He also shared his familial ties to Prayagraj, expressing joy in visiting the city. He described Prayagraj as a center of knowledge and stressed the need to restore its historical identity.
Furthermore, Rahul questioned the political donations and institutional influence of the BJP, alleging that the bank balance of a political party has skyrocketed from around 150 crore to thousands of crores. He stated that there is an attempt to influence public opinion through the political system. He warned that the data of the youth is reaching large corporations, which can use it through artificial intelligence to manipulate available opportunities and options for individuals.
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