Congress chief Rahul Gandhi seeks help from NSUI members

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday addressed a gathering of members of the party's students wing — the National Students Union of India (NSUI) — telling them that they will need to help the party in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and assured them that the party will put their issues on the national agenda.

Gandhi spoke to the students during the two-day NSUI campaign committee meeting, held in Delhi, where the student body's state presidents, vice-presidents, national delegates as well as high performers were attending.

As per those present, Gandhi said that the students are the future of the party, and will need to lend a helping hand during the upcoming elections as it is no longer a battle between the BJP and the Congress, but is an ideological battle.

Eyeing the 13-crore first-time voters in 2019, the party has identified NSUI as the main institutional platform to reach out to them. In this regard, the NSUI has launched the Behtar Bharat campaign to reach out to colleges. Under this programme, around 1,000 college students aim to reach out to as many as 2 crore students. The NSUI has also put in a digital backend that is tracking the details of students who have signed up.

AICC joint secretary, in-charge of NSUI, Ruchi Gupta said that most students feel their concerns are not prioritised. "Across the country, when we meet young people, they want to be inspired and be part of something bigger. They want a progressive sense of identity and want to be nation builders," said Gupta.

Gandhi had written a letter to students on December 6, promising to take up issues of corruption in admissions, high fees, and lack of jobs. "I want you to know that I respect your struggle and determination. We in the Congress Party will ensure that you get the respect and space you deserve and the support you need," he wrote.

Time To Go Big

• Rahul Gandhi urged NSUI members to lend a helping hand for 2019 Lok Sabha elections as it is a battle of ideologies.
• The Congress has identified NSUI as the platform to reach out to the 13-crore first-time voters.