Kuttikkanam: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that India’s higher education system is facing an ideological influence and said universities should not be limited to what he described as a “divisive view”. Speaking during an interaction with students at Marian College Kuttikkanam in Kerala, the Congress leader criticised the appointment of vice-chancellors and raised concerns about the country’s position in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Addressing students during the event, Gandhi claimed that a significant number of university vice-chancellors were appointed due to their ideological alignment with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He said that the education system should remain independent and should not be influenced by any one ideological perspective.

“The Indian education system should particularly not be limited to the divisive view of RSS,” Gandhi said while speaking at the interaction.

Criticism over vice-chancellor appointments

During the discussion with students, Gandhi alleged that ideological considerations were influencing appointments in higher education institutions.

According to him, the appointment of vice-chancellors based on ideological affiliation could impact the independence and diversity of academic institutions.

“If you look at vice-chancellors, a large number of them are made VCs because they belong to the RSS. Of course, that has to be stopped,” he said.

Gandhi emphasised that universities must remain spaces for free thought, debate and the exchange of diverse ideas rather than being influenced by a single ideological viewpoint.

His remarks come amid continuing debates in India over the autonomy of universities and the process of appointing top academic administrators.

Concerns over India’s position in artificial intelligence

The Congress leader also raised concerns about India’s role in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Gandhi argued that the global AI landscape is currently dominated by two major players — the United States and China — and said India has not yet emerged as a major force in the sector.

“There are two players in the AI game — the United States and China. India, unfortunately, whether it is in robotics, or AI, or modern technology, is not really a major player when compared to the US or China,” he said.

His remarks appeared to indirectly criticise the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has repeatedly highlighted India’s ambition to become a global technology hub.

Gandhi also referred to a recent controversy at the India AI Summit involving a demonstration by Galgotias University. The university had showcased a robotic dog that was later reported to be of Chinese origin, triggering criticism and debate about innovation claims.

Data control and technology independence

A key theme in Gandhi’s remarks was the importance of data ownership in building technological power. He argued that countries aiming to lead in AI must control their own data infrastructure.

According to him, the United States has an advantage because it has access to vast amounts of global data through major technology platforms.

“Who do you think controls data when you are using WhatsApp? India doesn’t control data. The US does,” Gandhi said while addressing students.

He added that information moving through communication systems in India is often controlled by foreign companies, which could weaken the country’s technological independence.

In contrast, Gandhi pointed out that China has developed its own platforms and maintains tighter control over its data ecosystem.

Criticism of India-US trade deal

The Congress leader also criticised the recently concluded trade arrangement between India and the United States, arguing that the agreement could have long-term implications for the country’s technological and economic independence.

Opposition parties have been critical of the deal, claiming that it could negatively impact farmers and certain domestic industries.

Gandhi claimed that handing over data control or relying heavily on foreign technology could weaken India’s long-term prospects in emerging sectors such as AI, manufacturing and mobility.

“If we give away our data, if we don’t produce anything, and if our people keep fighting with each other, then we are in trouble,” he said.

Remarks on industrial houses

During the interaction, Gandhi also took a swipe at major Indian industrial groups. Without naming specific companies directly in detail, he criticised large conglomerates and argued that India’s innovation ecosystem needs to focus more on manufacturing and technological development.

He suggested that India cannot become a serious global player in artificial intelligence if it relies primarily on importing technology or products rather than developing its own.

According to Gandhi, building strong domestic industries and protecting strategic assets such as data would be essential if India hopes to compete with global technology leaders.

Ongoing debate on AI and employment

Gandhi also warned about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on employment. He said rapid technological change could affect jobs in sectors that have traditionally driven India’s economic growth, particularly the services and software industries.

Globally, concerns have been growing over AI-driven automation and its impact on jobs, with several major technology firms already restructuring their workforce in response to advances in automation.

Gandhi said policymakers must carefully plan the transition towards an AI-driven economy while ensuring that workers are protected and new opportunities are created.

Conclusion

The interaction at Marian College Kuttikkanam highlighted key issues that continue to dominate India’s political and economic debates, including academic autonomy, technological innovation and data sovereignty.

While the government has emphasised India’s growing role in the global technology sector, opposition leaders such as Rahul Gandhi have raised questions about the country’s preparedness for the rapid transformation driven by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

The discussion also reflected broader concerns about how India can balance economic growth, technological progress and institutional independence in the coming years.