Rahul Gandhi: After the NEET paper leak triggered a youth protest at Jantar Mantar in July, Rahul Gandhi moved quickly. He demanded a Supreme Court-monitored inquiry into police action against students and launched an Instagram “Ask Me Anything” session in August. He has since addressed student events in Indore and Chennai. Congress has also agreed to hold student meetings in nearly 800 cities.
Where Does AISA Fit In?
The All India Students’ Association (AISA) is a Left student group linked to the CPI (ML) Liberation party, not to Congress. Its national president, Neha Bora, is a Jawaharlal Nehru University research scholar who took part in the Jantar Mantar hunger strike. The link to Gandhi is indirect. ThePrint earlier reported that Sandeep Singh, a former JNU Students’ Union president with AISA roots, became his adviser. The same report said Congress was taking a turn to the Left. Critics say this shows a party borrowing a campus playbook of protest and street mobilisation.
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Why The Crutches Question Matters
The July protest was led by the Cockroach Janta Party. Student groups such as AISA, the Students’ Federation of India and the All India Students’ Federation were also active. Congress was not the organiser. Opponents argue that a party relying on other people’s movements has thin youth roots of its own. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has gone further, alleging that Gandhi wants to provoke unrest like the one seen in Nepal and Bangladesh.
The Case In Congress’s Favour
Supporters say every party borrows talent, and Gandhi is simply listening. Young users who once mocked him in memes now call him “bro” online, and that goodwill is new for him. Gen Z voters are also a large first-time voter bloc, so reaching them is smart politics, not a scandal.
What Gen Z Will Ask Next
Both the BJP and Congress are now chasing the same young voters, and Gen Z has seen plenty of outreach. Instagram sessions and campus halls will not be enough. Young voters will look for exam reform, jobs and honest answers. Whether Congress is walking on its own feet or leaning on others will show in how well it turns applause into votes.
