Jaipur

Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Wednesday alleged that local authorities removed banners and posters related to Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Kota and exerted pressure on residents and students to stay away from the event.

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to interact with students in Kota later in the day as part of the Congress campaign focusing on paper leaks, unemployment and youth-related concerns. The event, being held at an open-air theatre, is being presented by the party as the first in a planned series of student conventions across the country.

Addressing reporters in Kota, Pilot said the initiative launched by Gandhi seeks to engage directly with young people and understand their concerns about education, examinations and future employment opportunities.

He said Gandhi would listen to students, discuss the challenges they face and explore possible solutions to issues affecting aspirants preparing for competitive examinations.

Pilot claimed that despite attempts to obstruct the programme, a large number of students and young people were expected to participate. He stressed that the gathering was not intended to be a political rally but rather a platform for dialogue with students.

The Congress leader alleged that administrative authorities had removed publicity material related to the event and that efforts were being made to discourage attendance.

According to Pilot, students and their families across Rajasthan and several other states have been facing anxiety due to repeated controversies surrounding examinations and result processes. He accused the government of avoiding accountability for these issues.

Criticising the examination system, Pilot said recurring irregularities in major recruitment and entrance tests had undermined public confidence and adversely affected the futures of lakhs of students.

Referring to the controversy surrounding the NEET examination, he alleged that the paper leak issue had impacted nearly 22 lakh candidates and created uncertainty among aspirants. He further claimed that despite investigations being initiated, those responsible had not been held adequately accountable.

“Lakhs of students and their families have suffered because of weaknesses in the examination system,” Pilot said, adding that the government was attempting to evade responsibility instead of addressing the root causes of the problem.

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Rahul Gandhi’s Kota visit has sparked a political debate, with the BJP criticising the timing of the programme ahead of the June 21 NEET re-examination and accusing the Congress of politicising student issues. The Congress, however, maintains that the interaction is aimed at highlighting concerns faced by young people and bringing their voices into the national conversation.