During his Instagram "Ask Me Anything" session, Rahul Gandhi was asked about the ongoing protests by students and job aspirants in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. He said the protests reflected a broader crisis in India's education system rather than being limited to one state. "The student protests that are happening in the country are against the education system. I have stated it clearly, in Kota, Dehradun and will say it in Allahabad, that our education system has collapsed, it is unaffordable and oppressive." Gandhi added that every government, regardless of political affiliation, should listen to students and act on their concerns. "Every government, be it the central government, Congress government or Jharkhand government, should listen to what students are saying and take action to change the education system." His remarks came as the protest, which began on 25 July under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, entered its 13th day. At the time of his comments, six protesters were on a hunger strike and an 11-member student delegation had been formed to hold talks with the Jharkhand government.