The Bihar Congress on Thursday launched a sharp protest against the NDA government, accusing the Darbhanga District Administration of deliberately trying to obstruct Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled programme at the Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga.
According to Congress leaders, police and administrative authorities allegedly attempted to prevent Gandhi from addressing students at the event, which was part of the party’s ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’—a campaign focused on educational justice and student rights.
Darbhanga Deputy Mayor Nazia Hasan described the move as a “pre-planned conspiracy,” questioning the timing of the cancellation.
“If the administration didn’t want to grant permission, they should have refused earlier. Cancelling it at the last minute shows fear. The government is scared that Rahul Gandhi’s visit will mobilize and inspire the youth,” Hasan said.
She added that preparations had been underway for 4–5 days and the late denial of permission appeared politically motivated, hinting at concerns over the NDA’s position in Darbhanga.
Congress leader Abhay Dubey accused the BJP-JDU alliance of acting out of “political malice,” asserting that denying permission was a sign of their nervousness about Gandhi’s growing influence among students and marginalized communities.
“Are we now criminalising dialogues on educational justice? Denying permission at the last moment is a reflection of the fear the NDA has of Rahul Gandhi’s connection with youth and Dalit students,” Dubey said, adding that Gandhi would later watch the film Phule in Patna to better understand the struggles of backward and tribal students in accessing education.
NSUI National President Varun Choudhary echoed similar concerns, branding the NDA government as “anti-Dalit and anti-students.” He alleged that the permission was withdrawn after the administration discovered that large numbers of students were expected to attend the programme.
“What is the JDU-BJP government afraid of? The truth being revealed by students who suffer under their policies? This move reflects their desperation,” Choudhary said.
Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Darbhanga follows his earlier participation in the ‘Palayan Roko Naukri Do’ rally organized by the NSUI in Begusarai on April 7.
The controversy comes ahead of the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for October–November 2025, intensifying political friction between the opposition and the ruling NDA.
Despite the cancellation, Congress leaders vowed that Gandhi would continue to engage with students and raise their concerns on national platforms.