Kharge: Modi govt destroyed students' future; roadmap for youth urged
Congress president Kharge blamed the Modi government for harming the prospects of students, citing closures of thousands of schools and rising costs in higher education. He urged a long-term Education-to-Employment Roadmap and pressed for accountability over Ram temple donations and related scams.
Key takeaways
- Kharge accuses the Modi government of harming youth prospects over the last 12 years.
- He links 94,000 school closures and rising higher education costs to government policy.
- The Congress calls for a comprehensive Education-to-Employment Roadmap for youth and accountability on Ram Mandir donations.
- Kharge notes alleged recruitment exam scams and paper leaks affecting graduates seeking jobs.
- He mentions concerns about Chinese encroachment and frames national security as compatible with asking questions of the government.
What Happened
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge told delegates at the Congress Working Committee meeting that, in his view, the Modi government has damaged the future of students over the past 12 years. He cited a large number of school closures and increased costs in higher education as evidence, and he alleged that educational institutions are being taken over by RSS figures. He also asserted that, after completing their education, young people face issues such as paper leaks, recruitment exam scams, and delays in appointments. In addition, Kharge announced that the Congress had integrated youth concerns into its agenda and highlighted a program led by Rahul Gandhi aimed at giving voice to students.
The Congress chief also connected youth discontent to broader questions of accountability in Parliament, remarking that Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had avoided questions during a previous session and accusing the government of prioritising non-issues as youth protests grew. He called for a comprehensive, time-bound plan to address education and employment for the young population.
Separately, Kharge touched on the Ram Mandir issue, referencing a trust established for temple construction and alleging a “massive scam” around donations and valuables. He demanded a full accounting of offerings and accountability beyond a few low-level prosecutions, and he urged the Prime Minister to apologise and answer public questions. He also raised concerns about reports of Chinese encroachment along the borders, warning against using national security to shut down legitimate inquiries.
Why It Matters
The remarks frame education policy and youth employment as central political issues for the Congress, linking them to governance credibility and accountability on financial matters related to religious trusts. By tying education access and job opportunities to public trust and national security concerns, Kharge signals a potential shift in the opposition’s messaging ahead of any forthcoming political contest.
Background
The speaker referenced long-standing debates over school closures, privatization in higher education, and perceived political influence over educational institutions. He also invoked prior parliamentary debates on education and examinations and cited youth mobilization under the Congress banner, including a program described as Chhatron ki Goonj led by Rahul Gandhi. On security and governance, Kharge connected concerns about border issues and a trust overseeing a Ram temple to questions of transparency and accountability.
Key Facts
- Event date: August 19, 2026
- Location: Indira Bhawan (Congress Working Committee meeting)
- Claim: 94,000 schools have closed in recent years
- Allegation: higher education is increasingly expensive and less accessible
- Allegation: educational institutions are being taken over by RSS-aligned individuals
- Issues cited for educated youth: paper leaks, recruitment exam scams, delays in appointments
- Rahul Gandhi initiative cited: Chhatron ki Goonj
- Ram Mandir matter: trust formed for temple construction; alleged scam around donations/assets
- Parliamentary accountability: Modi and Amit Shah accused of evading questions in Monsoon Session
- Border security note: reports of Chinese encroachment mentioned
What Happens Next
The remarks indicate the Congress intends to pursue an Education-to-Employment Roadmap aimed at youth in its future political strategy. The party seeks accountability on the Ram Mandir donation matter and calls for clear explanations from the Prime Minister. Further parliamentary or public probes on education financing, school openings/closures, and border-related questions may be pursued depending on party strategy and parliamentary timelines.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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