BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Event Video, Raises Objection to Stage Act

Rahul Gandhi Faces BJP Criticism Over Stage Performance at ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Event

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has come under criticism from BJP leaders after a video from his ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Indore surfaced on social media.

The controversy centres on a stage performance during the September 19 student interaction, in which a performer appeared to mimic Prime Minister Narendra Modi and make remarks about his interactions with foreign leaders. The video, shared by the Congress on X, showed the performer on stage alongside Gandhi.

BJP leaders objected to the performance, alleging that some of the remarks made during the act were directed at Prime Minister Modi and his late mother.

BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan criticised Gandhi over the episode, alleging that the Congress leader shared the stage with performers who made derogatory remarks about an elderly woman. Kesavan also questioned Gandhi’s reaction during the performance, saying he was seen laughing on stage.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also criticised the episode, describing it as “shameful and disgusting” and alleging that the performance involved remarks about Modi’s late mother. Joshi said political differences should be debated on policy and vision rather than through personal remarks involving elders and parents.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also raised objections to the comments concerning Modi’s mother. BJP’s national social media account similarly criticised the episode, contrasting it with what it described as respect for an elderly woman.

Rahul Gandhi’s Student Outreach Programme

The controversy emerged during the fifth edition of Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ initiative, which focuses on issues concerning students, education, recruitment and employment. Earlier editions of the programme were held in Kota, Dehradun, Prayagraj and Pune.

At the Indore event, held under the theme “system versus students”, Gandhi criticised the functioning of the education and recruitment system. He raised issues including examination paper leaks, vacant government posts, delayed appointments and scholarship-related concerns.

Students from Madhya Pradesh also spoke about recruitment and examination-related problems. One student from Rajgarh raised concerns over appointments being held up amid legal proceedings linked to OBC reservations, while another spoke about alleged irregularities involving the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission.

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

During his address, Gandhi said students should be able to question the system and alleged that the existing system discourages questioning while favouring those who do not challenge authority. He also spoke about education, recruitment and employment issues.

Political Tensions Around Event

The Indore programme had already become a point of political confrontation before Gandhi’s arrival. Posters carrying the phrase “Jhooth Ki Goonj” appeared at several locations in the city. Congress alleged that the BJP was trying to disrupt the programme, while the BJP said the posters reflected opposition to Gandhi’s event.

The latest dispute over the stage performance has added another political flashpoint to an event that was primarily organised around student concerns, education, recruitment and unemployment.