“The political system in India is very closed — there is no internal democracy in the political parties. Opening up the political system can give us potential,” he told students during an interaction on Tuesday. His statement was in reply to a question regarding AICC general secretary Margaret Alva’s resignation from the party after alleging foul play in distribution of election tickets.

The interaction was organised by the College Students’ Union Society and the Alumni Association.

There was, however, hardly any reference to Rahul’s recent statement — that students, during his time at the college, were not encouraged to ask questions. But steering clear of any controversy, the Amethi MP today praised the college and the teachers who had taught him during his brief stint. “I don’t think it is a crime to ask questions,” he said. “Asking questions lies at the heart of progress.”

Calling those gathered the “most intelligent students in the country”, Rahul said asking the right questions lead to change.

But the discussion that began with questions about India’s education system was, a student said, “a study on how to avoid a straight answer”.

“Our education system is highly controlled and its growth is being restricted due to vested interests and other factors. It is up to us to open it up,” the MP said. He also called for teachers and students to be given autonomy in running educational institutions and curriculum: “A politician sitting in Parliament should not have the power to place people in charge of educational institutions.”

While students seemed impressed by the ease with which Rahul interacted, most complained that he did not in effect answer any question straight. “He didn’t really say anything,” a “disappointed” third-year student said. “He just cross-questioned people and made funny statements in rhetorical ways.”

But another student, clearly overwhelmed, said: “He greeted us and shook hands with us instead of being aloof.”

Still another, who lined up to shake Rahul’s hand as the Congress leader walked back to his car, said, “He was sparring easily with the students. He could have been all formal but he wasn’t.”