Rahul Gandhi's Kota rally an attempt to create stress: Sambit Patra

BJP MP Sambit Patra criticised Rahul Gandhi's 'Echo of Students' rally in Kota, alleging the Congress leader was trying to 'mislead children' and create stress for students before the NEET-UG exam, a charge Gandhi countered on social media.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sambit Patra on Wednesday criticised Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his proposed "Echo of Students" rally in Rajasthan's Kota scheduled for today, alleging that the Congress leader was attempting to "mislead children" and create stress among students ahead of the NEET-UG examination.

Patra said Rahul Gandhi should display responsibility and accountability in public life. "Somewhere in the behaviour of Rahul Gandhi, there should be a sense of responsibility and accountability in his behavior. But we have always seen that Rahul Gandhi lacks responsibility; he never works with a sense of responsibility," Patra said.

'Attempt to Increase Stress of Students'

Referring to the upcoming examination, Patra said the government had made adequate arrangements and taken strict measures following controversies surrounding previous examinations. "When the NEET examination is scheduled for the 21st, and naturally, arrangements have been made this time, and the government has taken strict action after the previous incidents. An attempt to increase the stress of children, an attempt to increase the stress of students through politics should not be made, which is what Rahul Gandhi is doing," he said.

Patra Accuses Congress of Tarnishing Kota's Image

Patra further alleged that Rahul Gandhi's protest in Kota was aimed at tarnishing the image of the city and claimed that efforts were being made to mobilise students for the event. "Somewhere or the other, Rahul Gandhi is also trying to tarnish the name of Kota, which is a coaching hub. Conducting such a protest by going to Kota--and news has also come that owners of coaching centers in Kota are being called by Ashok Gehlot ji and the Congress party to forcibly send children to Rahul ji's interaction and his protest," he alleged.

"This is an attempt to mislead children, an attempt to defame Kota, and somewhere or the other, an attempt to create a stressful environment, which no politician should do--playing with children's lives like this," Patra added.

Rahul Gandhi to Hold 'Echo of Students' Rally

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to hold the "Echo of Students" mega rally in Kota, focusing on issues such as NEET-UG examination paper leaks, recruitment irregularities, and concerns faced by students and job aspirants across the country.

Calling upon students and young people across the country to participate in the rally, Rahul Gandhi said the future of the youth would determine the future of the nation and accused the Centre of failing to fulfil its responsibility towards them.

In a post on X, Gandhi alleged that paper leaks, exam mismanagement, cancelled recruitments, rising fees, privatisation and scams were shattering the dreams of millions of young Indians. "My young and Gen Z comrades, one thing is clear in my mind, and you too should etch it in your heart: securing the future of every youth in India is the government's responsibility. But responsibility and honesty--both are beyond the Modi government's way of thinking," Gandhi said. (ANI)

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