Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 29: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging that it has "captured" the country's education system and is preventing students from thinking independently.

Participating in the discussion on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi claimed that the education system had become heavily privatised and described it as "cruel" and "exploitative."

He alleged that the RSS exerts significant influence over educational institutions and policymaking, asserting that the organisation, rather than the Education Minister, controls the functioning of the Education Ministry.

Referring to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Gandhi said calls for his resignation would be "superficial," claiming that the RSS, through an officer on special duty (OSD) in the minister's office, was effectively running the ministry.

The Congress leader further alleged that the RSS was imposing what he described as a distorted version of history on students instead of encouraging independent thinking and allowing them to pursue their interests.

Gandhi also claimed that vice-chancellors of universities across the country were affiliated with the RSS, alleging that the organisation had become the principal force shaping India's education system.

Calling the RSS the "real enemy" of students, Gandhi alleged that it wanted young people to become "Andhabhakts" (blind adherents) instead of independent thinkers.

He said the ongoing student movement reflected a broader resistance by young people against attempts to dictate their aspirations and future, adding that students were determined not to surrender their independence or accept ideological control.