Politics
16 Jun, 2026
Student convention in Kota organised by Rahul Gandhi's 'toolkit gang' to mislead youth, says BJP
Business To Business, New Delhi, 16th June, 2026: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday accused Rahul Gandhi and the Indian National Congress of attempting to politicise student issues ahead of his scheduled convention in Kota.
Gandhi is due to address a student gathering on Wednesday as part of the Congress's outreach programme focused on concerns such as examination paper leaks and alleged irregularities in recruitment and entrance tests.
Addressing reporters, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged that the event had been organised by what he described as Gandhi's "toolkit gang" to mislead young people for political purposes.
Bhatia further claimed that:
- Local Congress leaders were pressuring students to attend the convention.
- Owners of guest houses and paying guest (PG) accommodations in Kota were being threatened to help ensure a large turnout.
- The event was aimed at serving Gandhi's political interests rather than addressing students' concerns.
The Congress has maintained that the convention is intended to engage with students and youth affected by examination-related controversies, particularly allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in competitive examinations.
Kota, one of India's largest coaching hubs for engineering and medical entrance examinations, has frequently been at the centre of debates concerning student welfare, academic pressure, and examination reforms.
The exchange reflects the broader political contest over issues affecting young people, including:
- Examination integrity.
- Recruitment processes.
- Employment opportunities.
- Education policy.
With major elections approaching in several states, both the BJP and Congress have increasingly sought to position themselves as advocates for students and first-time voters.
The Congress convention is expected to feature discussions on paper leaks, examination reforms, and youth-related issues, while the BJP has questioned the motives behind the programme and the manner in which it is being organised.