Rahul Gandhi criticises response to Delhi protests at Chennai student event

Rahul Gandhi accused India's government of suppressing dissent while addressing students at the Chhatron Ki Goonj event in Chennai on October 10.

The opposition leader alleged that internet services had been shut down in Delhi and that police and BJP supporters had assaulted student protesters. His remarks concerned demonstrations demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.

The Times of India reported that about 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed ahead of the Delhi demonstration. Restrictions affected several metro stations, and protesters were detained while attempting to regroup at different locations.

The claims were Gandhi's account of the events. The Times of India and The Week reported his speech, but those reports did not independently establish a citywide internet shutdown or the alleged involvement of BJP supporters.

Gandhi also argued that curiosity and the freedom to question authority were essential to learning and progress. The Congress outreach campaign addresses students' concerns about examinations, paper leaks, education costs, recruitment and unemployment.