Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has dismissed two FIRs filed against him in Bihar as political badges of honour, asserting his resolve to speak for students and marginalized voices despite official restrictions.
By Our Correspondent
New Delhi — On May 15, 2025, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi courted controversy — and criminal charges — during his address at the Ambedkar Kalyan Hostel in Darbhanga, Bihar. The event, part of his ongoing ‘Shiksha Nyay Yatra,’ was allegedly held without official permission and in violation of Section 144 restrictions. Local authorities filed two FIRs against Gandhi and several Congress leaders for organizing an “unauthorized” public gathering.
Rahul’s Defiance: “Stop Me If You Wish”
In a video posted on his social media handles, Gandhi appeared defiant as he addressed officials trying to block the event. “You do your job, I’ll do mine. Go ahead, stop me if you wish,” he is seen telling police officers on-site. His direct confrontation with law enforcement reflects a broader strategy to frame his campaign as a fight against bureaucratic suppression and anti-democratic practices under the current government. The Congress termed the FIRs an attempt to stifle free speech and student outreach.
Focus on Social Justice and Student Voices
During the address, Gandhi met students and Dalit youth at the hostel, highlighting issues of educational inequality and caste-based discrimination. He reiterated Congress’s promise of ensuring “Shiksha Nyay” — educational justice — for all, especially for historically oppressed communities. “We are not just fighting elections, we are fighting for India’s soul,” he said. Gandhi emphasized that students should not be punished for raising questions and seeking answers.
Congress Reacts, BJP Fires Back
While Congress leaders hailed Rahul’s act as symbolic of “civil disobedience for democracy,” the BJP sharply criticized the incident. Party spokespersons accused Gandhi of deliberately flouting laws for political optics and undermining public order. However, the Congress doubled down, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge declaring that such legal intimidation only strengthens their resolve to challenge the current regime’s authoritarian impulses.
As FIRs pile up against Rahul Gandhi during his educational justice campaign, the Congress sees a familiar narrative unfolding — one where defiance, not compliance, becomes the political currency of the Opposition.
Tags: Rahul Gandhi, Bihar FIR, Darbhanga Hostel, Congress vs BJP, Shiksha Nyay Samvad