'Repressive measure at the behest of JD(U)-BJP': Congress says Rahul Gandhi denied permission for Darbhanga event

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Wednesday claimed that party leader Rahul Gandhi has been denied permission to hold a scheduled interaction with students in Bihar’s Darbhanga district on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference at the Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) headquarters, AICC national media convenor Abhay Dubey said the decision appeared to be a “repressive” move by the ruling JD(U)-BJP alliance in the state.

“The district welfare officer in Darbhanga has written to us informing that it will not grant permission for the programme on May 15. No reason has been given,” Dubey said. “It seems a repressive measure taken at the behest of the state's ruling JD(U)-BJP combine.”

Rahul Gandhi was scheduled to meet Dalit students at the Ambedkar hostel as part of the “Shiksha Nyay Samvad,” a state-wide outreach campaign focused on education and social justice.

When asked whether the denial would impact Rahul Gandhi’s ongoing Bihar tour, Dubey said, “We have urged the Darbhanga administration to review their decision. We hope good sense will prevail.”

He further said the programme was intended to raise awareness on education rights and should not be politicised.

“It is unfortunate that his efforts are being viewed through the prism of politics. Be that as it may, he remains resolute in pushing the cause of social justice, of which education is an important component,” Dubey added.

Responding to a separate question, Dubey said he was not aware of any scheduled visit by Rahul to Patna.

Earlier, AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru had told reporters at the airport that Gandhi was expected to attend the Darbhanga event and may also watch Phule, a biopic on Dalit reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule, at a theatre in Patna.