Bareilly Schools Closed for BJP Rally; Social Media Users Question Decision, Say Education Should Come First

The closure of schools in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, on November 3 due to a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally has sparked a debate on social media, with several users questioning the administration's decision and raising concerns about the importance given to students' education.

The district education department had announced a one-day holiday for schools up to Class 8 in Bareilly's urban areas in view of the BJP's proposed 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy) padyatra.

According to the order issued by the District Basic Education Officer (BSA), the holiday applied to government-run primary and upper primary schools, aided institutions and recognised private schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE).

The closure covered students from nursery to Class 8 in the specified urban area. It was not announced as a district-wide holiday for all schools and classes.

Why Were Schools Closed in Bareilly?

The administration took the decision citing traffic management, crowd control and law-and-order concerns surrounding the BJP's political programme.

According to the official order quoted in media reports, Bareilly MP Chhatrapal Gangwar had informed the administration through a letter dated November 2, 2026, about the proposed padyatra scheduled for November 3.

The event was expected to draw between 25,000 and 50,000 participants. Considering the anticipated crowd and possible traffic congestion, the district administration directed schools to remain closed for the day.

The decision was taken following instructions from the District Magistrate, with the education department issuing the necessary directions to the concerned schools.

Netizens Question School Holiday Over BJP Rally

The school closure triggered criticism on social media, with several users questioning whether a political programme should lead to the suspension of regular academic activities.

One user expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, questioning why schools needed to close even for a single day.

Another social media user criticised the government's education priorities, suggesting that schools were failing to provide adequate employment opportunities to students.

Several others argued that children's education should not be affected by political programmes, regardless of the party organising them.

One user highlighted that government schools should focus on shaping students' futures rather than being associated with arrangements for political gatherings.

The criticism largely centred on the disruption caused to students, parents and teachers, with users questioning the need to suspend classes for a political event.

BJP Padyatra Expected to Draw Thousands

The BJP's 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' padyatra was organised in Bareilly on November 3, with an estimated participation of 25,000 to 50,000 people.

According to reports, the march was led by BJP national president JP Nadda and Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. The programme included a public meeting before the padyatra proceeded through major roads in the city.

While the administration cited public safety, traffic management and security concerns as reasons for closing schools, the decision brought renewed attention to the challenges of balancing large political gatherings with students' regular academic schedules.