BJP Condemns Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Video, Questions Stage Performance

BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi Over Viral Video From ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Event

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has drawn criticism from BJP leaders following a video from his ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Indore that went viral on social media.

The video, shared by the Congress on X, shows a performer on stage with Gandhi during the student interaction. The performer appeared to mimic Prime Minister Narendra Modi and made comments referring to his interactions with foreign leaders.

The performance triggered criticism from BJP leaders, who alleged that the act included personal remarks about Prime Minister Modi and his late mother. BJP leaders also questioned Gandhi’s presence and reaction during the performance.

BJP leader CR Kesavan accused Gandhi of sharing the stage with performers who made what he described as vulgar remarks about an elderly woman. He also alleged that Gandhi was seen laughing during the act and questioned whether such conduct was appropriate at a programme involving students.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi described the episode as “shameful and disgusting”. He alleged that the performance mocked Modi’s late mother and said political differences should be fought over policy and vision rather than through personal remarks involving parents and elders.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also criticised the episode, objecting to the remarks concerning Modi’s late mother. Dhami additionally took aim at Gandhi over comments concerning National Security Adviser Ajit Doval made during the same programme.

What Was ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ About?

The controversy erupted during the fifth edition of Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’, a student outreach programme focused on education, recruitment, examinations and employment.

The Indore event, held on September 19, was organised around the theme “system versus students”. Previous editions of the programme were held in Kota, Dehradun, Prayagraj and Pune.

Addressing students, Gandhi criticised the education and recruitment system, raising issues such as examination paper leaks, vacant government positions and delays in appointments. He also alleged that the system was uncomfortable with students who questioned authority.

Students from Madhya Pradesh raised several recruitment-related concerns during the interaction. A student from Rajgarh spoke about candidates who had cleared state government examinations but were awaiting appointments amid legal proceedings linked to OBC reservations.

Another student alleged that legal action had been taken against him and others after they raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission.

Gandhi also offered to join the ongoing protest by teacher-job aspirants in the state. A tribal woman student highlighted concerns over hostel facilities and other difficulties faced by Adivasi students.

Gandhi said education should be treated as a right and argued that the government should provide students with a complete pathway from school and mid-day meals to higher education and employment.

BJP-Congress Exchange Before Event

The Indore programme had become a point of political confrontation even before Gandhi’s arrival. Posters carrying the phrase “Jhooth Ki Goonj” appeared in the city.

Congress alleged that the BJP was attempting to create obstacles for the programme, while the BJP said the posters reflected students’ opposition to the event.

The controversy over the viral stage-performance video has now added another political dispute to Gandhi’s student outreach programme.