'Paper chor': Rahul Gandhi targets BJP over paper leak, unemployment after vote fraud charge

The Congress MP further alleged that the Modi government is only concerned about its power, not about youth unemployment

Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched fresh attacks on the BJP, accusing it of being "paper-chor" amid the allegations of malpractice in the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) graduate-level competitive examination 2025.

In a social media post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "Today, BJP's other name is - paper chor! The repeated paper leaks happening across the country have ruined the lives and dreams of millions of hardworking youth. The UKSSSC paper leak in Uttarakhand is its latest example. Lakhs of youth worked hard day and night, but BJP has spoiled all their hard work through theft."

The Congress MP further alleged that the Modi government is only concerned about its power, not about youth unemployment.

"We have been continuously demanding that a strong and transparent system be created to stop paper leaks. But the Modi government is turning a blind eye to this - because they are not concerned about youth unemployment, but about their own power," the social media post added.

These remarks came a week after he alleged that there was an attempt at mass vote theft in Karnataka's Aland constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress MP linked the alleged paper leak issue with his earlier accusations of "vote theft," claiming that unemployment and vote chori were connected.

He said, "Unemployment is today's biggest problem in the country, and it is directly linked to vote theft. The paper thieves know - even if the youth don't get jobs, they will remain in power by stealing votes in elections."

Gandhi further extended his support to the youth and every student, calling it a "fight for justice and democracy."

"The youth are on the streets and chanting the slogan - 'Paper Chor Gaddi Chod!' This is not just a fight for the youth's jobs; this is a fight for justice and democracy. I stand firmly with every student and youth in this fight for justice," the Congress leader posted on X.

Earlier today, amid the allegations of malpractice in the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) graduate-level competitive examination 2025, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami appealed to the youth to remain cautious of those exploiting their interests.

"...I appeal to all the youth that they should decide who are leading their movement, those who are bringing the youth onto the streets to serve their own interests, have no connection with the youth or the recruitment process. But our commitment is that just as we have made 25,000 appointments transparently without any corruption, we will do the same," Dhami told reporters here.

He further stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been formed for the investigation, and decisions would be made in the best interests of the students.

Furthermore, the CM said that it was 'unfortunate' that the government was being targeted by taking cover under the guise of the students.

"We have constituted an SIT for the investigation of the incident that has come to light... Whatever decision needs to be taken, we will take it in the interest of the students, but it is unfortunate that the government is being targeted by taking cover under the students..." he said.

The Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) graduate-level competitive examination 2025 has come under intense scrutiny following allegations of malpractice, prompting the state government to launch a judicially supervised probe.

On Tuesday, Uttarakhand Police arrested Khalid Malik, the main accused in the alleged paper leak of the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC) exam question paper. Prior to this, the police had also arrested his sister.

Retired Justice BS Verma, former judge of the Uttarakhand High Court, Nainital, has been appointed to supervise the investigation to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the process.

An official memorandum issued by Home Secretary Shailash Bagoli states that Justice Verma will monitor the Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with probing the case. He will also have the authority to visit various districts, review complaints, and guide the SIT as needed.

On September 24, the government formed a five-member SIT to investigate the malpractice allegations comprehensively.

The SIT will be headed by Jaya Baluni, Dehradun Rural Superintendent of Police, who will lead efforts to uncover the facts and identify those responsible for the alleged irregularities.