Student Politics / Dharmendra Pradhan Slams Rahul Gandhi over Student Politics

New Delhi, Sep 20: Former Union Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has strongly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for “politicizing students” instead of addressing their real concerns.

Rahul Gandhi recently launched his “Students’ Voice” campaign in Indore, portraying student challenges as a battle between the system and youth. The BJP has opposed the initiative, calling it misleading.

Leader of Opposition Shri @RahulGandhi came to Indore with a microphone and a manufactured “System vs Students” narrative.

At Indore’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj”, Rahul Gandhi chose to portray every challenge faced by students as proof of a “captured system” and reduce a complex…

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) September 19, 2026

On social media platform X, Dharmendra Pradhan wrote: “Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi came to Indore with a microphone and a manufactured “System vs Students” narrative."

"At Indore’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj”, Rahul Gandhi chose to portray every challenge faced by students as proof of a “captured system” and reduce a complex education ecosystem to political slogans. But the reality is more consequential than mere rhetoric. Students deserve answers, not political theatre," he wrote further.

Also read: Dharmendra Pradhan Condoles Odia Devotees’ Death In MP, Speaks To CM Mohan Yadav

Pradhan argued that students deserve solutions, not political theatre. “Students are not props in a political cinema. They deserve answers,” he said, adding that India’s higher education has made significant progress in the past decade.

He cited data showing that the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education rose from 23.7 per cent in 2014‑15 to 30 per cent in 2023‑24.

He highlighted schemes like PM‑Vidyalakshmi, which provides collateral‑free education loans with interest subsidies, and PM‑Usha, which works with state institutions to improve infrastructure and quality.

Pradhan also pointed to India’s improved performance in QS World Rankings and the growing capacity of its institutions. He emphasized reforms in examinations, including the shift from paper‑based tests to computer‑based testing to reduce errors and strengthen security.

To curb irregularities, centre introduced a strict law in 2024, with fast‑track courts ensuring swift punishment for those jeopardizing students’ futures.

Pradhan stressed that student concerns must be addressed seriously, through expanded opportunities, affordable resources, better infrastructure, and transparency. He questioned whether Rahul Gandhi would ever offer real solutions or remain focused only on using students as political tools.

“India’s students do not need leaders to incite anger. They need institutions that expand opportunities and a government that stands with them,” Pradhan asserted, distinguishing between politics about students and politics for students.