COEP Clash, Police Case Add Heat Ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Event in Pune Event; MP Pavan Khera Alleges Attempts to Disrupt Programme

Pune, 22nd August 2026: Congress media and publicity department chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Pavan Khera on Saturday alleged that repeated attempts were being made to create hurdles for Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Pune.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Khera alleged that the BJP governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra were trying to prevent students from raising issues related to education, employment, competitive examinations, paper leaks, safety and equal opportunities.

Khera said the BJP was “uncomfortable” with Rahul Gandhi directly interacting with students. He pointed to prohibitory orders imposed in Pune and the 30 conditions attached to permission for the programme as evidence of attempts to restrict the event. Police have said the restrictions were imposed in view of upcoming festivals, protests and law-and-order considerations.

The programme, being held particularly for women students, will focus on issues including women’s safety, education, equality, competitive examinations and career opportunities. Police have estimated that 8,000 to 10,000 people could attend.

Khera also referred to the confrontation between ABVP and NSUI-Congress-linked activists at the COEP Technological University hostel premises on the eve of the event. He alleged that two female students were threatened after raising scholarship-related concerns and supporting the programme.

The ABVP has made a counter-allegation that Congress workers pressured students to register for the event. Following the confrontation, police registered a case against 50 to 60 Youth Congress workers on a complaint by an ABVP member, Khera said.

Khera alleged that the focus was being shifted from the students’ concerns and said young people should not be threatened or pressured for raising their issues.

“Rahul Gandhi is travelling across the country to listen directly to students and youth. No attempt to suppress their voices will stop ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’,” Khera said.

Khera also criticised the Centre over the handling of youth-related issues, alleging that the government was attempting to suppress student voices instead of addressing their demands.

The Pune Police have imposed 30 conditions on the organisers covering law and order, CCTV surveillance, entry and exit arrangements, women’s safety, fire safety and traffic management.