Congress Accuses BJP of Intimidating Youth Ahead of Indore Event

The Indian National Congress accused Madhya Pradesh authorities of attempting to disrupt Rahul Gandhi's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' youth outreach event in Indore through a campaign of intimidation. The dispute began when Indore police issued security conditions referencing the 1991 Verma Commission report, which analyzed security lapses following the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Congress leaders characterized the reference as an attempt to intimidate Gandhi, while the Bharatiya Janata Party and police maintained the report was cited only to ensure foolproof security and clarify organizer responsibilities.

As the event approached on September 19, 2026, the Congress party alleged that the Madhya Pradesh Police pressured coaching centers and student hostels to prevent youth attendance. Party leaders claimed police forced operators to sign declarations taking responsibility for student safety, which they described as a chain of intimidation. Additionally, the party alleged the government denied them use of the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and imposed a 4 lakh rupee fee for an alternate government land venue.

Indore police officials denied any ill intent, stating the self-declaration forms were intended to help institutes monitor student safety. The security conditions for the event required the deployment of at least 1,500 volunteers and prohibited provocative displays or inflammatory remarks.