Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's proposed student interaction programme, 'Chhatron Ki Goonj', in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj has received conditional clearance after a day of uncertainty. The Kayastha Pathshala (KP) Trust, which had earlier withdrawn permission for the event, has now allowed it to proceed subject to specific conditions.
The development comes after the Congress accused the Uttar Pradesh government of using administrative pressure to prevent the event, alleging attempts to force the venue provider to cancel the programme.
KP Trust Restores Permission After Legal Consultation
Acting president of the KP Trust, Jitendra Nath Chaudhary, said the decision to restore permission was taken after consulting legal experts.
According to the trust, the organisers must ensure that:
- Academic and teaching activities at KP College remain unaffected.
- Necessary permission is obtained from the District Magistrate.
- The programme complies with all applicable legal requirements.
The trust had earlier cancelled permission citing an Allahabad High Court order dated August 14, 2025, which limits the use of the KP College ground to educational and sports-related activities. Waterlogging caused by recent rainfall was also cited as one of the reasons for the earlier decision.
Congress Alleges Political Pressure
The Congress alleged that the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government attempted to stop Rahul Gandhi's student outreach programme through administrative intervention.
Addressing a press conference, Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam, along with party MPs Kishori Lal Sharma, Tanuj Punia and Imran Masood, claimed that officials were pressuring the venue management to withdraw permission.
Gautam said a large number of students had already registered for the interaction and maintained that the programme would be held as scheduled.
The party has positioned 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' as an initiative aimed at engaging directly with students and discussing issues affecting the youth.
Rahul Gandhi's Prayagraj Visit Schedule
According to the itinerary shared by Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai, Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to:
- Leave Delhi on August 8 by a special flight.
- Arrive in Prayagraj around 3:30 PM.
- Visit Anand Bhavan.
- Attend the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' student interaction at KP Ground from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
- Return to Delhi later the same evening.
The Congress has reiterated that the event will proceed after complying with all legal and administrative requirements.
Why the Event Sparked a Political Controversy
The temporary withdrawal of permission triggered a political confrontation between the Congress and the Uttar Pradesh government.
While the KP Trust maintained that its decision was based on legal and logistical considerations, the Congress alleged that the administration was attempting to suppress Rahul Gandhi's outreach among students.
The restoration of permission, albeit with conditions, has eased immediate uncertainty. However, organisers will still need to secure administrative clearance before the programme takes place.
What's Next?
With the KP Trust restoring permission, attention now shifts to whether all remaining administrative formalities, including approval from the district administration, are completed before the scheduled event.
The student interaction is expected to be one of Rahul Gandhi's key public engagements in Uttar Pradesh, with the Congress hoping to strengthen its outreach among young voters ahead of future political contests.
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