Prayagraj, Agency

Thousands of students from different parts of Uttar Pradesh, adjoining states of Madhya Pradesh and Bihar have thronged the Sangam city on Saturday to attend the "Chhatron Ki Goonj" programee to be addressed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi this evening.

Though the Congress party has claimed that around 3 lakh students would be present in the event, but authorites say that the number could be nearly one lakh.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will address students on unemployment, paper leaks, and lathi-charges with targeting the BJP government.

According to Congress, Rahul will directly interact with students from 23 districts during the "Chhatron Ki Goonj" program. A pandal with a capacity of approximately 1,00,000 people is ready at KP College Ground. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul will participate in the "Chhatron Ki Goonj" program at KP College Ground from 6 pm to 8:30 pm.
Rahul will first go to Anand Bhawan, the ancestral home of the Gandhi family, directly from Bamrauli airport at around 5 pm and after spending sometime there he will reach the venue. He is expected to return back to Delhi tonight at around 9:30 pm by a special flight.

According to the Congress, this is part of a nationwide student outreach campaign aimed at demanding accountability from the government on issues related to education and employment. The party claims that over two lakh students have registered online and offline for the program, which will include students from 23 districts, including Prayagraj.

Contrary to the party's claim, the pandal has only been equipped for 1,00,000 people. A waterproof pandal, 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, built using German hangar technology, has been constructed for the event, covering an area of approximately 10,000 square meters. Seating is available for approximately 1,00,000 people.
A main stage, measuring approximately 200 square meters, has been constructed in front of the main entrance. A large LED video wall has also been installed. A VIP lounge has been set up at the rear of the pandal, with eight stalls for VIP guests. Tea and water are available for all students on the grounds, with dinner also provided for some. Students are also provided with free rickshaws. The pandal for Rahul Gandhi cost Rs 2 crore.

The pandal also features a corridor for Rahul Gandhi. Rahul will reach out to students through this corridor and speak to them.

Security arrangements have been tightened in view of Rahul Gandhi's visit. Three IPS officers, three ADCPs, eight ACPs, approximately 1,000 policemen, one and a half companies of PAC, five Quick Response Teams (QRTs), and nine reserve parties have been deployed.
Police forces will be deployed along the entire route from Bamrauli Airport to Anand Bhawan and from there to KP Ground.

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Prayagraj / Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai alleged that the BJP government is exerting pressure to stop Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's proposed "Chhatron Ki Goonj" program in Prayagraj.

Speaking to UNI on Thursday, he said that permission had already been granted for the program scheduled for 5 p.m. on August 8 at KP Ground in Prayagraj, but now the college trust managing the venue is being pressured to revoke the permission.

Ajay Rai said that Rahul Gandhi's "Chhatron Ki Goonj" programme is being organised across the country. Earlier, the BJP government had also attempted to disrupt the programme in Kota. He said that in Prayagraj, Rahul Gandhi will interact with students, especially young students worried about their future.

He alleged that competitive exam question papers are being leaked across the country and that some large companies and agencies in Gujarat have played a role in this entire matter.

The Congress state president claimed that permission for the event was obtained from the KP Trust on July 3 and that he possesses the permission letter. He stated that the state government is pressuring the Trust to withdraw the permission.

He alleged that the government had previously attempted to influence similar events in Kota and Dehradun.
Ajay Rai stated that the Congress delegation had met with local police officials, including the Additional District Magistrate (ADCP), in this regard and provided all necessary documents. He stated that the party is fully following the legal process.

He alleged that wherever Rahul Gandhi's events are being held, the BJP's central and state governments are attempting to cancel them. He stated that the Congress will organise its events democratically and highlight student issues.

It is noteworthy that senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to interact with students in Prayagraj on August 8. Preparations are in full swing for this event, to be held at the KP Ground in Prayagraj.

But just before the event, the KP Trust on Wednesday revoked its previously granted permission, citing concerns about disruption to children's education and court rulings. Since then, the Congress party has been repeatedly alleging that the trust took this step under pressure from the government.

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