Sanjay Raut slams BJP's 'hooliganism' over Rahul Gandhi's Pune event

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused the BJP of 'hooliganism' and misusing police over strict conditions imposed on Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' student interaction event in Pune, stating their 'reign of hooliganism' will end soon.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing them of resorting to "hooliganism" and misusing police machinery out of fear over Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' student interaction event in Pune.

Reacting to strict administrative conditions imposed on Gandhi's schedule and recent clashes between youth outfits, Raut, speaking to ANI, questioned the differential treatment meted out to constitutional leaders in a democracy. "Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha; he is a distinguished national leader. Yet, the police imposed excessive conditions on his visit. When Modi Ji, Amit Shah, or other BJP leaders visit, they are never subjected to such restrictions--dictating what can or cannot be done. Is this the way a Leader of the Opposition is treated in a democracy? Yesterday, people engaged in hooliganism. However, after September, their reign of hooliganism will come to an end," said Raut.

He said the programme will see thousands of students engaging in dialogue with Gandhi, adding that Pune is the land of Lokmanya Tilak; students' voices here will resonate nationally; accuses BJP of being frightened and resorting to hooliganism. "Rahul Gandhi is visiting Pune. Thousands of students, particularly young people, will participate in the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme and engage in a dialogue with him. Pune is the city that ignited the spark of independence for the nation; it is the land of stalwarts like Lokmanya Tilak. The voice of students raised here will resonate across the entire country. It is precisely because of this that the Bharatiya Janata Party has become frightened and resorted to hooliganism," said Raut.

Conditional Permission Amid Clashes

Ahead of the youth gathering, friction flared up between the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) outside campus premises in Pune, triggering a police intervention. The Pune City Police on Thursday granted conditional permission for Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's nationwide student outreach initiative, "Chhatron Ki Goonj," scheduled for August 22 at the SSPMS College Ground.

Strict Conditions for Rahul Gandhi's Event

Aimed at addressing issue-based concerns such as paper leaks, exam irregularities, and rising education fees, the upcoming event, specifically focused on providing a platform for young women, is expected to draw a crowd of 8,000 to 10,000 attendees between 4:30 PM and 9:30 PM. In an official directive issued to former MLA and Senior Vice President of Maharashtra Congress Mohan Joshi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-5) Rajlakshmi Shivankar outlined 30 mandatory rules to maintain public order and security.

Displaying provocative images, banners, or portraits is strictly forbidden. The police noted that the event's organisers will bear complete legal responsibility if any untoward incident triggers a law and order disruption. "Objectionable images, portraits, or banners must not be displayed during the program; additionally, if any untoward incident takes place leading to a law and order issue, the entire responsibility will lie on the organisers," the police directive stated.

Attendance must not exceed the venue's maximum capacity. The organisers are required to set up at least four separate entry and exit gates and establish distinct seating areas for men and women. Entry points must feature enclosed spaces for frisking female attendees, staffed exclusively by female security personnel. Male volunteers are strictly barred from frisking duties, and organisers must ensure a high proportion of female volunteers to assist private security.

The stage and marquee require certified setup and a mandatory Public Works Department (PWD) fitness certificate, alongside a "D-cordon" protective barricade in front of the main stage. Fully functional day-and-night CCTV coverage across the venue is compulsory. Drone cameras for photography or videography are completely banned, as is the use of high-intensity beam lights projected into the sky. Compliance with Airport Authority of India and CISF regulations is required.

Proceedings must comply with Supreme Court noise level restrictions and avoid causing disruptions to residents, senior citizens, nearby schools, hospitals, or the Pune Railway Station. Organisers must secure formal No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from both the Fire and Traffic departments prior to the event.

The Pune City Police warned that non-compliance or any breach of law and order will lead to the immediate revocation of the event permit and potential legal action.

About the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' Initiative

Rahul Gandhi launched "Chhatron Ki Goonj", a nationwide student-led political campaign in mid-2026. The movement aims to be a national platform for student grievances in education and recruitment. Exam irregularities and paper leaks, rising fees and privatisation of higher education, and unemployment linked to corruption in competitive recruitment. The campaign demands equal job opportunities and greater structural safety for aspirants.

Announcing the Pune programme, Rahul Gandhi said the event would provide an exclusive platform for girls to share their views, adding that their voices would be heard across the country. "On August 22, 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' is arriving in Pune--and this time's event will be exclusively for girls. Now the girls will speak, and the country will listen. Register to join," he added. (ANI)

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