Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga, Bihar, on May 15, 2025, sparked controversy when he disregarded police barriers to meet students as part of the “Shiksha Nyay Samvad” program. The local administration had denied permission for the event at the hostel, offering an alternative venue at Town Hall, which Congress rejected. Despite police attempts to stop him, Gandhi proceeded on foot, alleging the NDA-led Bihar government was suppressing dialogue with Dalit and backward students. He called the obstruction undemocratic and vowed to continue advocating for educational justice and reservations in private institutions.
The Darbhanga district administration filed a case against Gandhi for violating Section 163 of the CrPC, based on a complaint by the District Welfare Officer. Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary labeled Gandhi’s actions as “hooliganism,” demanding an apology for disrespecting democratic norms. JDU MP Sanjay Jha questioned the appropriateness of holding political meetings in hostels. Gandhi dismissed the case, stating he faces 30-32 such cases, which he considers “medals” for his social justice efforts.
Congress leaders protested, accusing the JD(U)-BJP government of politically motivated interference ahead of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections. The incident drew mixed reactions, with some X posts praising Gandhi’s defiance, while others criticized the administration’s response as excessive.