#WhiteTshirtArmy: Rahul Gandhi’s Campaign Amid NEET and NET Controversy

#WhiteTshirtArmy: Rahul Gandhi’s Campaign Amid NEET and NET Controversy Rahul Gandhi’s “#WhiteTshirtArmy” campaign emerged in the midst of ongoing controversies surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the National Eligibility Test (NET). Background: The #WhiteTshirtArmy campaign was launched in August 2021 by Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress (INC). It came as a response to demands by medical and research student unions for the postponement of NEET and NET examinations due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives of the Campaign: * To express solidarity with NEET and NET aspirants affected by the pandemic. * To put pressure on the government to postpone the exams. * To demand a fair and transparent examination process. Why Between NEET and NET? The timing of the #WhiteTshirtArmy campaign was strategic, as it coincided with the period between the NEET and NET examinations. * NEET is a qualifying exam for medical and dental courses in India. * NET is a qualifying exam for teaching and research positions in Indian universities. Both NEET and NET were scheduled to be held in September 2021, but student unions expressed concerns about the safety of conducting the exams amidst the pandemic. They argued that many aspirants had faced difficulties in accessing study materials and attending coaching classes due to the lockdown and travel restrictions. Response to the Campaign: The #WhiteTshirtArmy campaign gained traction on social media, with thousands of students, parents, and supporters sharing their concerns and expressing their support for the campaign. The government initially resisted calls to postpone NEET and NET, citing the need for timely admissions to medical and dental colleges. However, mounting pressure from the student unions and the #WhiteTshirtArmy campaign eventually led to the exams being rescheduled. Impact of the Campaign: The #WhiteTshirtArmy campaign played a significant role in advocating for the postponement of NEET and NET examinations. It demonstrated the power of collective action and raised awareness about the challenges faced by students during the pandemic. The campaign also sparked a broader discussion about the impact of COVID-19 on education and the need for a more flexible and responsive approach to examinations.Rahul Gandhi’s White T-Shirt CampaignRahul Gandhi’s White T-Shirt Campaign Rahul Gandhi’s simple white T-shirt has become a symbol of his political image. He has explained that the T-shirt represents “transparency” and “simplicity.” On his birthday in June 2024, Gandhi launched the “White T-Shirt Campaign.” He called on his supporters to wear simple clothing as a symbol of these values. The timing of the campaign coincided with widespread anger over alleged paper leaks in exams, fueling the impression that Gandhi was preparing voters for the future. Gandhi’s campaign bears similarities to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Modi Shirt” campaign, which used the NaMo app to promote the sale of branded merchandise. Gandhi’s supporters sent him videos explaining the importance of transparency and simplicity in their lives, using the hashtag #WhiteTshirtArmy. Those who sent him a video received a signed white T-shirt. The campaign aimed to tap into the anger among youth over exam irregularities and present the Congress party as a champion of the future.Rahul Gandhi, leader of India’s main opposition party, the Indian National Congress, has launched a campaign called “#WhiteTshirtArmy” to protest the Modi government’s New Education Policy (NEP). The campaign involves wearing white T-shirts with the slogan “Enforce NEP” written on them. Gandhi has accused the government of ignoring the recommendations of a panel of experts that was set up to review the NEP. He has also said that the new policy will hurt the interests of students and teachers. The NEP was approved by the Modi cabinet in July 2020. It aims to overhaul the education system in India, from the pre-school level to higher education. The policy includes a number of changes, such as allowing foreign universities to operate in India, increasing the number of medical seats, and reducing the syllabus. The #WhiteTshirtArmy campaign has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have praised Gandhi for taking a stand against the government, while others have criticized him for politicizing the issue of education. The NEET and NET exams are two of the most important exams for students in India. The NEET is a national level entrance exam for admission to medical colleges, while the NET is a national level entrance exam for admission to research programs. The #WhiteTshirtArmy campaign is likely to continue until the government agrees to enforce the NEP.