The Congress party launched its nationwide campaign Chhatron Ki Goonj on Thursday across 28 cities, highlighting student issues and criticizing the central government’s education policies.
In Bhubaneswar, Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Pawan Khera addressed the programme at Empire Hotel.
Khera accused the Modi government of neglecting the education sector. He pointed to repeated exam paper leaks, cancellations, and rising student distress. He said the government’s policies have led to privatisation and centralisation of education, while reducing budgetary support. He demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Khera alleged that coaching mafias exploit students and delays in recruitment processes have left youth frustrated. He emphasised that suicides among students are increasing due to systemic failures. He said Congress, under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, will continue to fight for quality education, fair examinations, greater public investment, and solutions to student problems.
The campaign aims to amplify student voices and create a national debate on education reforms. Congress leaders expect the initiative to resonate widely among youth and evolve into a mass movement.
Khera also attacked the BJP government on other issues, including alleged land acquisition irregularities involving Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s family and corruption in Ayodhya Ram Mandir donations. He questioned why agencies like ED and CBI only target opposition leaders while ignoring BJP leaders.
