BJP Accuses Congress of Paying Influencers for Pune Event

The Bharatiya Janata Party accused the Indian National Congress of paying social media influencers ₹25,000 each to attend Rahul Gandhi's Chhatron Ki Gunj student outreach event in Pune. To support the allegation, the BJP released a video of a phone call between an unidentified influencer and a Congress worker named Shantanu, who allegedly offered the money to cover travel and attendance expenses.

The BJP characterized the payment as evidence that public support for Rahul Gandhi must be bought. The Chhatron Ki Gunj event, which focuses on young women, is scheduled for August 22 at the SSPMS College Ground and is expected to draw up to 10,000 people.

Pune Police granted permission for the gathering under strict security conditions. The directives include a ban on drone cameras, high-intensity lights, and provocative imagery, while requiring CCTV coverage and certified stage setups to maintain public order.