Rahul Gandhi Criticizes UP Government Over Exam Controversy

Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, criticized the UP government and UPPSC for insensitivity towards students in Prayagraj. He condemned the police harassment of students demanding fair examinations. In response, UP announced exams will occur in one day following student protests.

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and a prominent figure in the Congress party, launched a fierce critique of the Uttar Pradesh government and the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC). He described their approach towards the competitive students in Prayagraj as highly insensitive and regrettable. Gandhi highlighted the unfairness of the non-transparent system and supported student demands for exams to be held in a single shift, questioning why students should bear the consequences of what he termed as the incompetence of the BJP government, which he accused of undermining the education system.

Gandhi directed his criticisms towards the police, accusing them of harassing students who are being forced into protesting on the streets. He stressed that the youth, pursuing their educational aspirations away from home, should not face such injustices. Gandhi declared full support for the students' demands, insisting that their democratic rights must be respected and cannot be suppressed under authoritarian rule.

Following the protests by students in Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's Office announced that the UPPSC will conduct the preliminary exams in a single day. This decision came in the wake of student demonstrations outside the UPPSC office, petitioning for the PCS and RO/ARO exams to be completed in one day and one shift. CM Yogi Adityanath tasked the Commission with collaborating with students to facilitate this change for the PCS Preliminary Examination in 2024. Additionally, a committee has been instituted by the Commission to address the RO/ARO (Pre.) Examination-2023.

(With inputs from agencies.)