New Delhi, August 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday urged students and young people to fight for their rights through love and non-violence, while highlighting unemployment, recruitment delays and what he alleged was the capture of educational and other institutions.
Addressing the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme at KP Ground in Prayagraj, Gandhi praised students for raising their voices against what he described as systemic problems. He said the youth had shown courage by taking up issues that previous generations may not have been able to confront.
“There should be no hatred in any student’s heart—only love. We need to change the system through love and affection,” Gandhi said, urging the youth to open a “Mohabbat Ki Dukan” and continue their struggle through peaceful means.
Gandhi said India’s strength lay particularly in its nearly 40 crore young people and described them as the country’s future and pride. He also alleged that the existing system had reduced employment opportunities, particularly in manufacturing, and that universities and other institutions had been subjected to ideological influence.
Referring to the employment crisis, he said students spend years studying and investing money in their education but often find limited opportunities after completing their studies. He cited the prevalence of products marked “Made in China” and “Made in Vietnam” compared with those made in India, while blaming demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for damaging the economic system.
[custom-related-posts title=”Related Posts” none_text=”None found” order_by=”title” order=”ASC”]
Gandhi also alleged that the BJP had accumulated substantial financial resources and accused the ruling establishment of influencing institutions through appointments of RSS-aligned Vice-Chancellors and personnel. These claims were made during his interaction with students.
The Congress leader then invited students to the stage to share their experiences. Kunal Pandey from Patna University and students from Allahabad University spoke about their grievances.
A former first woman Vice-President of the Patna University Students’ Union recounted a peaceful “students for students” protest following detentions in Bihar, saying the agitation eventually succeeded.
Students from Allahabad University and the Purvanchal region said they had been protesting for around 30 days. A law student highlighted problems with the university library, alleging that rainwater enters the facility and makes books inaccessible, while students had also been warned about the risk of electric shocks. He further alleged that protesters faced beatings by bouncers and false FIRs.
A UPPSC aspirant raised concerns over the examination normalisation process, while another student, Avinash, spoke about recruitment delays. He said he had applied for a teacher recruitment drive in 2018 and had continued preparing despite vacancies remaining unfilled. He alleged that several recruitment drives under the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC) were still pending.
Gandhi listened to the students’ concerns and reiterated that employment opportunities and institutional integrity were essential for the country’s youth, while calling for their continued struggle through love and constructive action.
FOLLOW NOW
