Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that a "system" had captured the entire country and did not want students to raise questions, as he addressed the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme in Indore.
Speaking at the event, themed 'System vs Students', Gandhi said students were India's future and that no country could become strong without them.
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"Ten lakh posts of teachers are vacant in the country. One lakh schools, including 55 per cent in UP and MP, have been closed," he said.
Gandhi also alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was controlling everything, including social media, and indulging in snooping. He said students were questioning the "system", including industrialists Adani and Ambani, as well as Jay Shah and others, but faced opposition from what he called "Andhbhakts".
During the event, students raised concerns over a freeze on 13% of appointments in Madhya Pradesh government recruitment examinations due to a legal dispute.
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A woman told Gandhi that many candidates like her were suffering despite clearing state government examinations, as 13% of appointments remained on hold.
The dispute relates to the 87:13 formula used in state public service recruitment amid pending legal battles over Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation.
A student from Dewas alleged that when students flagged irregularities in the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC), an FIR was registered against them and they were sent to jail.
Gandhi also offered to participate in the ongoing protest by candidates seeking teacher jobs in Madhya Pradesh.
A tribal woman student urged him to take up the issue of a shortage of hostels for Adivasi students in Indore.
(With inputs from agencies)
