Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, 17 June launched the Indian National Congress's nationwide 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' agitation from Kota, Rajasthan — the country's most prominent coaching hub — targeting recurring paper leaks, examination irregularities, and rising unemployment among India's youth. The campaign marks the Congress's most structured youth-focused political mobilisation since the 2024 general elections.

What the Campaign Demands

The agitation centres on three core grievances: the repeated leaking of competitive examination papers, irregularities in government recruitment processes, and the absence of a transparent, fair education and employment system. The Congress has alleged that these failures are collectively jeopardising the futures of millions of young Indians.

Ahead of the Kota launch, Gandhi posted a direct message to students on X: 'I know you're exhausted. You're angry. But remember this — when the government refuses to listen, you have to raise your voice louder.' He added, 'Let's come together and become a roar that can't be ignored. Starting from Kota — then reaching every corner of the country. This is a fight for your future. And I'm with you.'

The Phase-One Schedule

All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal announced the first phase of events, which will see Gandhi address student conventions in four cities. After Kota, the campaign moves to Allahabad on 10 July, Patna on 11 July, and Delhi on 14 July. Each convention is expected to bring together students, competitive exam aspirants, educators, and youth organisations.

Venugopal said the events aim to draw national attention to 'recurring paper leaks, rising examination costs, recruitment irregularities, and the lack of a transparent and fair education and recruitment system.'

Why Kota Was Chosen

Kota District Congress President Rakhi Gautam and Kota Rural Congress President Bhanu Pratap Singh said the party deliberately chose Kota as the starting point given its status as the country's foremost competitive-exam coaching centre. They noted that Gandhi had been invited to the city during a recent conference held in Pushkar. An AICC team had already arrived in Kota ahead of the event to inspect venues and oversee preparations.

The Broader Political Context

The launch comes amid sustained public anger over high-profile examination controversies, including cancelled national-level recruitment tests and allegations of organised paper-leak networks. The Congress, under Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Gandhi, has framed the agitation as a fight for systemic accountability rather than a one-off protest. This is the first major campaign the party has anchored explicitly around student and youth grievances since returning to a stronger opposition role following the 2024 general election results.

Notably, Kota has also been in the national spotlight for student stress-related incidents, adding symbolic weight to the choice of venue. With the campaign scheduled to run through at least mid-July, the Congress appears to be building toward a sustained pressure campaign ahead of several state assembly elections on the horizon.