Rahul Gandhi defies ban, holds ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ at Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga.

Patna, May 15, 2025: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Darbhanga on Thursday triggered a major political row after a standoff with the local

Administration over the venue of his scheduled Shiksha Nyay Samvad program.

The Congress leader had proposed to hold the event at Dr. Ambedkar Welfare Hostel in Mogalpura, a symbolic site for addressing

Issue of education and social justice among Dalit and backward-class students.

However, the district administration denied permission, citing security concerns under Section 163 of the Indian Civil.

Security Code (BNSS) formally known as Section 144 of the CrPC.

Despite the ban, Rahul Gandhi chose to defy the order. After his convoy was halted

Near Karpoori Chowk by the police, he exited his vehicle and walked nearly a kilometer to the hostel on foot.

Accompanied by hundreds of Congress supporters, the march turned into a flashpoint, with slogans raised against the Nitish Kumar-BJP-led government.

‘You can’t silence us’: Rahul Gandhi’s address at the hostel:

Upon reaching the hostel, Gandhi addressed a large gathering of students and Congress workers from a pre-prepared stage.

In his speech, he launched a scathing attack on the Bihar government, accusing it of attempting to suppress the voices of Dalit and backward students.

“They tried to create obstacles on my way but failed to stop me. I am here they will fail to stop reservation as well,” he declared.

He further demanded a caste-based census followed by implementation of its recommendations, taking inspiration from

Telangana’s model.

“We demand a fair caste-based census, as Telangana did, and the the implementation of its findings in the reservation structure, “he added.

Congress vs Administration: The Fallout:

Earlier, the district administration had allocated Town Hall as an alternative venue, citing security and law-and-order considerations

In a statement released late Wednesday night, the District Public Relations Office confirmed that holding a political event at a welfare hostel was inappropriate under current administrative regulations.

The Congress, however, alleged political bias and suppression.

Addressing a press conference in Patna, Congress National Media Convenor Abhay Dubey accused the JD(U)-BJP alliance of orchestrating the obstruction.

“This is a conspiracy to silence the voices of Dalit students and a direct attack on democracy,” Dubey stated, demanding the administration revoke its decision.

Aftermath and Next Stop Patna:

Following his address, Rahul Gandhi departed for Patna, where he is scheduled to watch Phule, a film based on iconic social reformers Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, further emphasizing his campaign’s focus on social justice and equity in education.

The dramatic sequence of events in Darbhanga has reignited debates around freedom of expression, caste, representation, and educational access, with the Congress promising to continue its Shiksha Nyay Samvad across Bihar.

Also Read: Vijay Kumar Chaudhary criticizes Rahul Gandhi ahead of his Patna Visit scheduled on February 5.

EOM.