Rahul Gandhi addresses students in Prayagraj over unemployment and education

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi addressed a large gathering of students and competitive examination aspirants at the Chhatron Ki Goonj programme in Prayagraj on Saturday. Speaking at the KP Ground, Gandhi described India's 40 crore youth as the country's greatest strength and stated that their potential is unparalleled compared to that of the United States, China, and Russia. He focused his speech on three themes: dard (pain), data, and daulat (wealth). Gandhi argued that degree certificates mean nothing in India today because they do not lead to jobs, asserting that all doors of employment are closed. He further claimed that people's data is taken and given to big companies while youth are encouraged to create reels or work in gig economy roles at companies like Uber and Blinkit. The event took place despite waterlogging and muddy patches at the venue, which required party workers to use buckets, limestone, sand, and a road roller to prepare the ground. Prior to the main event, the Congress organized a motorcycle rally led by Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai. Students at the gathering raised concerns regarding hostel problems and competitive examinations. Gandhi stated that his visit focused on recruitment delays, paper leaks, and a lack of accountability in the current system.