Are Political Programs Conducted in Hostels? JD(U) Leaders Challenge Rahul Gandhi

Synopsis
JD(U) leaders have called out Rahul Gandhi for allegedly breaching rules by conducting a political event at a student hostel in Darbhanga. This move has sparked debates about the appropriateness of using educational institutions for political purposes.
Key Takeaways
- Political events in educational institutions raise ethical questions.
- JD(U) leaders challenge Rahul Gandhi's actions.
- Ambedkar Hostel serves as a focal point in the debate.
- Calls for educational justice continue amidst political tensions.
- Future political campaigns may face stricter scrutiny.
Patna, May 15 (NationPress) JD(U) leaders criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday for ignoring administrative guidelines and conducting a campaign at the Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga for the sake of gaining political advantage.
The Congress organized this event as part of its 'Shiksha Nyay Samvad' initiative, which aims to address educational justice. Nevertheless, JD(U) leaders labeled it as politically charged and disruptive.
JD(U) Working President and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Jha questioned the appropriateness of conducting political events in student hostels.
"Are political programs hosted in hostels? Has this occurred anywhere else? The administration suggested alternative venues and even approved the Town Hall. Yet, Congress is complaining for political gain. Rahul Gandhi is here solely for political reasons, especially with the elections approaching," he stated.
Bihar Social Welfare Minister Madan Sahani took it a step further, ridiculing Rahul Gandhi's attendance.
"Now that Rahul Gandhi is here to watch a movie, let him enjoy and depart afterward. The Congress and the Mahagathbandhan are destined for failure. In 2010, they secured 22 seats; this time, they will struggle to match that," he asserted.
It’s noteworthy that Rahul Gandhi attended a screening of 'Phule', a biopic about social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, at a cinema in Patna.
Sahani also questioned Rahul Gandhi's strategy, stating: "If he lacks a plan for himself, what can he offer the public? Is the Ambedkar Hostel becoming a political arena now?"
JD(U) National General Secretary Manish Verma shared similar views, asserting: "Nitish Kumar's administration established hostels for Dalit students to study, not for political rallies. If Rahul Gandhi is genuinely concerned, he should implement welfare initiatives in Congress-led states instead of politicizing welfare structures."
Rahul Gandhi, who was refused permission by the district administration to hold the event at the Ambedkar Hostel under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) (formerly CrPC 144), made his way to the venue on foot after his convoy was halted.
At the hostel, he addressed a large audience of students and supporters, declaring: "The double-engine government of Bihar is attempting to silence Dalit and Backward students. They tried to obstruct me, but they failed—because I have your support. We demand a just caste census and the implementation of its recommendations like Telangana did."