New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged institutional interference at the Indian Statistical Institute, claiming the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has gained growing influence over the country’s premier research body. He said education institutions must function through knowledge and science, free from ideological control.
Gandhi shared a video from an interaction with Indian Statistical Institute students during the Winter Session of Parliament. The discussion took place at the Jan Sansad, a platform where he meets students, professionals, and citizens. According to Gandhi, students raised concerns similar to those voiced by learners and faculty across other institutions.
He stated the students explained how academic processes at the institute face steady ideological pressure. Gandhi described the Indian Statistical Institute as a key national institution involved in advanced research in statistics, mathematics, economics, data science, computer science, and public policy. He said the institute has produced experts who contributed to national planning and governance.
Gandhi alleged academic councils no longer operate independently. He claimed bureaucratic presence and ideological influence now affect decision making. He also alleged syllabus design and research direction face pressure aligned with RSS thinking.
He described these developments as an attempt to weaken education systems. According to him, such actions place the future of young people at risk and open paths toward privatisation or asset sales of public institutions.
Gandhi said the issue extends beyond one institute. He framed it as an attack on intellectual freedom and scientific thinking. He added students and teachers continue to raise concerns across campuses.
He said education requires autonomy. He reiterated institutions should operate through expertise, evidence, and scholarship. He said political ideology has no place inside research and learning spaces. He added his party would continue raising these issues inside and outside Parliament.
