'152 Paper Leaks, Zero Convictions, 7.5 Crore Students Affected: Rahul Gandhi Throws Weight Behind CJP Protest

A day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was detained, he is back with a press conference on the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) Protest on Wednesday (July 22). He accuses the government of failing to protect India's education system and the future of the students.

In his press conference in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi alleged that India's education system has become both rigged and unaffordable. He claimed that repeated paper leaks and sky touching coaching fees have left the students into a crisis.

The Congress leader said his party stands firmly with the students protesting across the country, adding that they have every reason to demand accountability.

#WATCH | Delhi: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "The thing that is very clear to everybody is that our education system, which was known to be one of the best education systems in the world, is today a rigged system... What we do know is that 152 paper leaks have… pic.twitter.com/P5JVhm8qLc

— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2026

A Group Of People Is Destroying India's Education System

Addressing a power point presentation, Rahul said that the nations education system is being systematically weak. He alleged that 152 examination paper leaks have taken place, affecting nearly 7.5 crore students, yet there has not been a single conviction in these cases.

"A group of people is destroying our education system, which is India's most valuable asset. They are destroying the lives of our students, and what does the government do? Zero convictions," he said.

According to Rahul Gandhi, the issue goes beyond examination leaks. He argued that the entire system has become unfair for ordinary families.

The System Is Rigged And Unaffordable

Gandhi also addressed the unbearable cost for preparing for competitive exams for middle-class and lower-middle class. Quoting figures during the press conference, he claimed that Indian families collectively spend around Rs 1.32 lakh crore every year on NEET preparation, while the Union Government's annual education budget stands at around Rs 1.4 lakh crore.

He questioned how families are forced to spend nearly as much on preparing for a single examination as the government spends on the country's entire education system.
"The Government of India collects taxes from people and spends Rs 1.4 lakh crore on education. At the same time, families spend nearly Rs 1.32 lakh crore every year preparing their children for one examination. This is pure theft from these families," Rahul Gandhi alleged. He added that the financial burden placed on parents is one of the main reasons why students have taken to the streets in protest.

"Students Are Left With Only One Option"

Rahul linked the education system with the country's employment. He stated that even after completing education, the government has no scope for job and a better livelihood.

He said:

• Manufacturing: Closed
• Entrepreneurship: Closed
• Corporate Jobs: Taken by AI
• Public Sector: Privatised

"As a result, students are left with only one option-a government job," he said.
Rahul Gandhi alleged that while other employment opportunities are shrinking, the government has also failed to ensure a fair recruitment process.

"You leave students with only one door open, then make that system extremely expensive and rigged. That is why they are angry," he said.

Congress Extends Support To Students

Expressing solidarity with the ongoing CJP protest, Rahul Gandhi said the Congress fully supports the concerns being raised by students.

"We are 100 per cent with what every student is feeling and with what they are doing," he said.

The Congress leader maintained that the protests reflect widespread frustration among young people who believe the examination and recruitment systems have become unfair.

Debate Over Education Intensifies

Rahul Gandhi's remarks come at a time when the CJP protest has drawn nationwide attention, with students demanding greater transparency, accountability and reforms in the examination system.

The issue has also received support from several public figures, including actors, filmmakers and musicians, who have urged the government to address students' concerns.

With Parliament in session and student protests continuing, the debate over examination reforms, the rising cost of education and employment opportunities is expected to remain at the centre of political discussions in the coming days.