Rahul Gandhi wins argument with Bangalore students, but not all hearts

All-India Congress Committee general-secretary Rahul Gandhi’s articulation skills were put to test by students of National College, Basavanagudi, on Saturday, as his interaction with the youth witnessed an intense argument about caste-based reservation in education and employment.

As he opened the session to field questions after delivering opening remarks about India’s challenges, a girl student fired the first salvo. “Stop reservations based on caste. It leads to contempt about SC, ST and OBCs among the general merit students. It is meting out injustice to meritorious students in the general category,” she said. But pat came Rahul’s reply. “Perhaps you have not been to villages outside the city. The fact of the matter is low-caste people have been discriminated against for ages. SC, ST and OBCs together constitute about 70 per cent of the population,” said Rahul.

When he asked how many National College students belonged to these communities, very few hands went up. Rahul tried to drive home the point, saying: “About 70 per cent of the students should have raised their hands. It is clear there is discrimination against lower-caste people.”

When the student refused to buy the argument, an assertive Rahul said: “You may not agree, but discrimination is there, and it is a fact. You may not agree that the sun rises in the morning, but whether you agree or disagree, it does.” The audience applauded in agreement.

Joining the argument, another student, Jalajakshi, said: “Give them financial support and provide better facilities, but why reservation based on caste?” Rahul buttressed his reply, saying there are other forms of discriminations such as bias against women and the disabled. “Isn’t there discrimination against women, have you heard about dowry?” he said.

As the hall fell silent, Rahul said: “Just like discrimination against women, there is discrimination against people from low castes. If you people do not agree with me, then come with me to villages and see the reality.”
Since caste appeared to consume the entire session, Rahul suggested other topics be discussed too. However, after the one-hour interaction, some students continued to air their views on the issue to the media.

First-year BA students Shubha and Rani said while they were not against social justice for the weaker sections of society, they said: “Why should it be caste-based? It should be based on economic condition of students irrespective of caste. Why should the children of rich and powerful politicians get reservation in education and employment?”

Several students raised similar questions, demanding that reservations should be based on economic condition.

Furthermore, the students were unhappy with Rahul’s views since he did not elucidate his solutions to various issues. When he asked what is biggest problem facing the country, ‘Poor quality of politicians’ was the students’ reply.
Concurring with the view, Rahul said the youth should put in place a ‘quality control’ system while electing leaders. “If you are interested in politics and if you are ready to make sacrifices, approach the Youth Congress after completing your education. There is also the NSUI, our students’ wing,” he said.

Education and investment in agriculture topped the list when Rahul asked students about sectors that needed top priority for India’s progress.
The students also wanted greater integration of education institutions such as the IITs and IIMs with institutions of excellence abroad.

The students made a strong pitch to improve the quality of teaching. “At present, leftovers from the industry join the teaching profession. That should change; the cream of the talent should be attracted to the teaching profession,” said students.

Winding up his interaction, Rahul exhorted the youth not just to complain about the problems. “We must also appreciate the achievements and have a positive approach,” he added.