New Delhi, June 15 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday invited students preparing for competitive exams and young job seekers to support in large numbers the Congress party’s “Chhatron ki Goonj” national agitation starting from Rajasthan’s Kota on June 17.

Addressing students angered by paper leaks, cancelled exams and stall recruitments, Gandhi said on X, “I know you’re exhausted. You’re angry. But remember this – when the government refuses to listen, you have to raise your voice louder.”

The proposed nationwide agitation by the Congress is focused on issues affecting India’s youth, including paper leaks, examination irregularities, unemployment, and recruitment-related concerns, party sources said.

At the launch of the campaign on June 17 in Kota, Gandhi will interact directly with students and aspirants preparing for competitive examinations.

On Monday, in his message on X, Gandhi said, “Let’s come together and become a roar that can’t be ignored. Starting from Kota – then reaching every corner of the country. This is a fight for your future. And I’m with you.”

Earlier, announcing the nationwide protest, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal said, “Rahul Gandhi will address student conventions in various cities across the country. Beginning from Kota, he will engage directly with students and competitive exam aspirants.”

According to Venugopal, the first phase of the campaign will continue with events in Allahabad on July 10, Patna on July 11, and Delhi on July 14.

The Congress has alleged that recurring examination paper leaks, irregularities in recruitment examinations, and rising unemployment are jeopardising the future of millions of young Indians.

Through this campaign, the Congress aims to mobilise students, job aspirants, teachers, and youth organisations while raising these concerns at the national level.

The Congress, from its official X account, shared Venugopal’s statement, which said, “Under the leadership of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the Congress has announced the first phase of a nationwide campaign to highlight issues such as exam paper leaks, examination irregularities, unemployment, and concerns affecting India’s youth.”

“The campaign aims to draw attention to the challenges faced by millions of young Indians, including recurring paper leaks, rising examination costs, recruitment irregularities, and the lack of a transparent and fair education and recruitment system,” Venugopal added.

Kota District Congress President Rakhi Gautam and Kota Rural Congress President Bhanu Pratap Singh said the party chose Kota, the country’s renowned coaching hub, as the starting point of the nationwide movement.

They noted that Rahul Gandhi was invited to visit Kota during a recent conference held in Pushkar.

–IANS

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