Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and Lok Sabha opposition leader, accused the Modi government of running a system that suppresses students and promotes blind followers, or 'andhbhakts,' during a student event in Indore on September 19, 2026. Speaking at the fifth 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme, Gandhi alleged that the system, controlled by a 'top layer' including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, suppresses critical inquiry and favors those who do not question authority.

Gandhi claimed the system has captured key institutions such as politics, business, judiciary, bureaucracy, education, media, entertainment, and sports. He accused National Security Adviser Ajit Doval of digital surveillance and industrialists like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani of channeling government contracts to support the system. He also alleged that the education budget had declined from 4.6% to 2.6% of the total budget, with funds diverted to billionaires.

The Congress leader highlighted issues such as paper leaks, institutional failure, infrastructure collapse, and privatisation, which he said were the result of the system's suppression of student voices. He claimed over one lakh schools had been shut across the country, with 55% in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The family of Arpit Jaj, an 18-year-old student who died in a Delhi building collapse, also attended the event and blamed the system for the incident.

In response, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav accused Gandhi of making unfounded claims without presenting facts or data. He called the event 'Jhoot ki Goonj' (Lie Gathering) and suggested the Congress had organized it to spread confusion. Yadav did not confirm any official response from the Modi government or BJP.

Gandhi emphasized that students are the future of India and that the system fears their questioning nature. He urged students to reclaim their role in shaping the country, warning that only students could address the hate and violence prevalent in society. However, the claims about the system's structure and budget allocations remain unverified, with no official data provided to support the alleged decline in education funding.

The event, which drew thousands of students, also saw the appearance of posters mocking Gandhi with the phrase 'Jhooth Ki Goonj,' adding to the controversy. While Gandhi's allegations highlight concerns about institutional capture and education funding, the lack of verified data and the absence of a formal response from the Modi government or BJP leave the claims in question. The situation remains unresolved, with the debate over the role of students in governance continuing.