Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event gets Prayagraj venue back

In a dramatic turnaround, the Kayastha Pathshala (KP) Trust on Thursday night restored permission for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme at KP Ground in Prayagraj, barely a day after revoking the approval and triggering a political storm.

The trust, however, said the 8 August event would be allowed only if certain conditions are met, including ensuring that academic activities at KP College remain unaffected and obtaining the necessary permission from the district magistrate.

Acting president of the KP Trust, Jitendra Nath Chaudhary, told PTI that the decision was taken after consultations with legal experts. "After consulting advocates of the high court, the organisers have been granted permission to hold the programme subject to certain conditions," he said.

The reversal came hours after the Congress accused the Uttar Pradesh government of orchestrating an attempt to derail Gandhi's interaction with students. Party leaders alleged that the administration had pressured the venue provider to withdraw permission through intimidation and threats, charges the state government has not responded to.

On Wednesday, the KP Trust had cancelled its earlier approval for the event, citing an Allahabad High Court order dated August 14, 2025, which restricts the use of the KP College ground to sports and educational activities. The trust had also pointed to waterlogging at the venue following recent rainfall.

Addressing a joint press conference in Delhi earlier on Thursday, Congress leaders, including Uttar Pradesh in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam and MPs Kishori Lal Sharma, Tanuj Punia and Imran Masood, accused the BJP of attempting to suppress the programme because Rahul Gandhi has been consistently highlighting issues affecting students through the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign.

Gautam claimed the BJP government was making "every possible effort" to ensure the event did not take place. He alleged that the organisers had been informed of administrative pressure to revoke the venue permission but insisted that the programme would go ahead regardless.

"Lakhs of students have registered for this interactive event, and students across the country are eagerly awaiting it. The event will be held at the scheduled venue," he asserted.

Echoing the party's resolve, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai said Gandhi's interaction with students would proceed as planned on August 8.

According to Gandhi's itinerary shared by Rai, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha will leave Delhi by a special flight at 2 pm and reach Prayagraj around 3.30 pm. He will visit Anand Bhavan before heading to KP Ground, where the student interaction is scheduled from 6 pm to 8.30 pm, after which he will return to Delhi on a special flight.

The Congress also accused the BJP government of manipulating legal provisions to stifle democratic expression. Gautam argued that the event was being organised after following all required procedures and urged the Uttar Pradesh government and the Prayagraj administration not to create further obstacles.

MP Tanuj Punia alleged that the ruling party feared the growing support Gandhi was receiving from young people and was therefore trying to prevent the event from taking place.

With the venue dispute apparently resolved, attention now shifts to Friday's programme, which the Congress has projected as a major outreach exercise aimed at engaging students and raising issues related to education, employment and youth aspirations.

With PTI inputs