Rahul Gandhi holds student forum in Prayagraj amid security

Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, arrived in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, for a major student-focused event that proceeded despite a last-minute venue dispute and under heavy security. The program, titled "Chhatron Ki Goonj" (Voice of Students), was held at the KP College Ground and aimed to provide a platform for young people to discuss issues of unemployment, paper leaks, and stalled government recruitment.

The event's organization was marked by controversy after the Kayastha Pathshala Trust, which manages the ground, initially revoked permission on Wednesday, citing waterlogging from recent rains and a 2025 court order restricting the ground's use. Following consultations and after the Congress secured necessary police clearances, the trust restored permission on Thursday night. Congress leaders had accused the state government of attempting to obstruct the event, allegations which officials denied.

Upon his arrival at the airport, Gandhi was greeted by party workers and leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Rai. Organizers had constructed a large canopy at the venue at an...