Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Cleared in Prayagraj, Congress Expects Massive Turnout

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai on Friday said all necessary clearances have been secured for Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” programme in Prayagraj, expressing confidence that the student interaction will draw a record turnout.

Rai said the Congress is fully prepared for the event scheduled for Saturday and that there is now “no hurdle” before the programme. He added that the party will organise a motorcycle rally in Prayagraj on Friday evening to generate awareness and encourage participation in the interaction.

“If there is no mischief, we are expecting record turnout for Rahul ji’s event,” Rai said. He has been camping in Prayagraj for the past few days to oversee preparations.

The programme is scheduled to take place at KP Ground, after the Kayastha Pathshala (KP) Trust restored permission late Thursday night. The permission had been withdrawn a day earlier.

Acting president of the KP Trust Jitendra Nath Chaudhary said the decision to allow the programme was taken after consultations with legal experts. The organisers have been directed to ensure that teaching and academic activities are not disrupted and obtain the requisite permission from the district magistrate.

The trust had initially revoked permission citing an Allahabad High Court order restricting the use of the KP College ground for sports and educational activities, as well as waterlogging at the venue following recent rains.

The Congress had accused the Uttar Pradesh government of attempting to scuttle the programme and alleged administrative pressure on the venue provider. The BJP government rejected the allegations.

According to Gandhi’s itinerary, he will arrive in Prayagraj around 3:30 pm on Saturday and visit Anand Bhavan before attending the student interaction from 6 pm to 8:30 pm. He is scheduled to return to Delhi later in the evening.