Prayagraj: Students who attended Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme in Prayagraj on Saturday gave mixed reactions, with some praising his focus on youth issues while others questioned whether his promises would translate into action.
Thousands of students attended the programme at K P Ground, where Gandhi spoke about issues concerning India's youth, including employment, competitive examinations and the challenges faced by students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Himanshu Tripathi, who has completed his postgraduate studies from Allahabad University and is preparing for the National Eligibility Test, said Gandhi raised students' issues "very forcefully" but there was no guarantee that he would address them if he came to power.
Rashmi Yadav, who is preparing for competitive examinations, said she attended the event to understand Gandhi's vision for the future of students.
"All politicians make big promises from the stage, but their priorities change after they come to power," she said.
Rakesh Maurya, another student, said Gandhi had won the hearts of students with his remarks.
"Children from poor families face so many difficulties in completing their education, but they keep waiting for vacancies to be announced for jobs," he said.
Shashi Prakash, a student of Banaras Hindu University, said the Congress leader had understood the concerns of today's youth.
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"He understands well the problems young people are facing today. After the Jantar Mantar incident, people's expectations from Rahul Gandhi have increased," he said.
During the programme, Gandhi interacted with several students on the stage. He also spoke to students seated away from the main platform, seeking to hear about their concerns.
The event came amid growing political focus on youth issues and competitive examinations in Uttar Pradesh. Gandhi has increasingly used student and youth-focused programmes to raise questions over employment opportunities, recruitment processes and what he describes as the lack of adequate opportunities for young people.
Despite waterlogging and muddy patches at several places on the K P Ground following rain, a large number of students attended the programme.
