‘Dard Aapka, Data Aapka, Daulat Inka’: Rahul Gandhi’s Jibe At BJP In Prayagraj

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said India’s 40 crore young people are the country’s greatest strength, while criticising the government over unemployment, examination paper leaks, declining manufacturing and difficulties in securing loans.

Addressing the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme at KP Ground in Prayagraj, Rahul Gandhi said India’s youth have potential unrivalled by that of China, the US and Russia. He focused his address on youth suffering, data and wealth, arguing that India possesses both a large young population and the world’s largest volume of data.

Rahul Gandhi said education certificates have increasingly lost relevance because they do not guarantee employment. He claimed that only 12 out of every 1,000 young people secure permanent jobs and alleged that all doors to employment remain effectively closed.

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha alleged that wealthy students can buy leaked examination papers, while declining manufacturing, difficulties in obtaining loans and artificial intelligence replacing jobs are hurting employment prospects.

Rahul Gandhi further alleged that personal data generated by Indians is being handed to large corporations including Jio, Adani, Facebook and Google. He described excessive consumption of reels, WhatsApp and Instagram content as a form of 21st-century addiction, alongside growing dependence on gig work with platforms such as Blinkit and Uber.

Rahul Gandhi urged students to reject hatred and violence. He said the system should instead change through love and affection.

Students from Patna also raised the issue of the lathi-charge during CJP protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Overnight rain waterlogged the KP Ground. Party workers used buckets to drain water, while JCB machines spread limestone and sand and a road roller levelled the ground.

Prayagraj Visit

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha arrived at Prayagraj airport earlier in the afternoon. Congress leaders and workers welcomed him. He later visited Anand Bhawan-Swaraj Bhawan, where he met party office-bearers and workers.

Posters at the venue highlighted demands for jobs and criticised unemployment.

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai had earlier said police granted permission for the programme subject to certain conditions.

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